Tag Archives: Tom Sandoval

May 4, 2023 – More Rescue Comes To Greenland, Replacement, It’s a Wrap, Striking, VanderBits, All About That Met, Runway Roach, That Cat & Cantina

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Sonny meets Nina at Kelly’s, and asks if she’s thinking about Willow. She asks if it’s that obvious, and he says, Willow is Nina’s daughter; they’re all thinking about her. She says she doesn’t suppose he has news, and he says, on Liesl and everybody else? No, unfortunately. But he’s been doing some digging on who tipped off the SEC about Carly and Drew’s insider trading. (D’oh!) She asks what he found.

Carly tells TJ, it was exhaustion, right? First, there was all the excitement from the wedding, then the SEC showing up. The whole day sapped Willow of her energy. That’s why she passed out, right? TJ says, it could be exhausting for sure, especially for someone in her condition, and Michael says, but? TJ says he’s afraid it’s more than that.

Dex and Josslyn spoon on her bed, while looking at her laptop. She closes it, and says she’s sorry. She knows they put this on for distraction. Between Trina and Willow, now her mom and Drew… He says he gets it. It’s too much. She says, what if Drew and Liesl don’t make it back? and he says, one thing he learned in the military is, you have to hold onto hope, even in the worst of circumstances. You never know when the tide can shift. She says, could it shift now, please? Hope. He says, it’s powerful, and she says, then she’ll hold onto it, and pray Drew gets everybody home safely. He has to. Willow’s life depends on it.

Somewhere in Greenland. Spencer says, his grandmother is on the island with Drew, and Curtis says he’ll find them, come hell or high water. Trina says she knows Spencer’s grandmother is supposed to be a badass, but she faked out Victor Cassadine? Curtis says, it almost makes you feel sorry for the guy. Almost.

Victor tells his goons to stand down, and Drew says, very wise. Victor says, if Laura drops it, she dies, and Laura says, but so does he. She’s thinking it just might be worth it.

Helena says, there’s no way out, at least not earthly, and Valentin says, death. She says, what is death but another country? Come my son, let me take you away from everything, and everyone.

Victor says, Laura has no idea the power she has in her hands right now, and she holds up the vial, saying, she thinks she does. He tells her, then think of Willow. If Liesl dies, so does her innocent niece. Laura says, better to lose one innocent life than a whole world of them. She lifts the vial higher and away from herself, and he asks what she’s doing. She says, saving humanity.

Carly asks, what made Willow collapse tonight? but TJ says, Dr. Randolph is the specialist. He doesn’t want to say too much before they speak with her. Michael says he trusts TJ, and more important, Willow trusts him. Just tell them what’s going on. TJ says, Willow has some bleeding that’s not clotting, and Michael says, because of her low blood cell count. TJ says, they’ll be giving her something to get it under control, but all of this is an indication that her body’s breaking down, and she can’t produce enough cells to fight it. Michael says, they all get that they’re running out of time. Most important, he needs to know, what are they going to do about it?

Josslyn tells Dex that she keeps thinking about Willow’s wedding. For a while, nothing else mattered. Just the way they looked at each other, and the promises they made. What if Drew and Liesl don’t make it back in time? I think about how much I like Josslyn’s sweater, and Dex says, Drew Cain is an ex-Navy SEAL, remember? Those guys more than anyone know how to finish the job. She says she believes Drew’s going to get everybody home safe, but when he does, he and her mom have the SEC breathing down their necks. He says, Sonny’s working on that, and she says, that’s great. Sonny’s got the SEC following a false trail, and bought some more time – for now. But even if everything works out, and everything goes according to plan, Sonny’s going to end up in prison. Is Dex having second thoughts about that?

Sonny tells Nina, so far he’s come up empty, but whoever tipped off the SEC about Carly and Drew is going to be uncovered. He has his contacts at the SEC, and they’re trying to figure out what kind of case they have against Drew. That’s if he comes back. She tells him not to say that. Drew has to bring everybody back. He has to bring Aunt Liesl back, or else Willow… He says he’s praying for that. She knows he prays. But the SEC isn’t going to wait for Carly. She asks if they might charge Carly even without Drew here, and he says he doesn’t know about the rest of them, but he’s going to make sure Carly isn’t left holding the bag. She says, what if that’s not possible?

Hersley says, come on, Scorpio, as he takes Robert to the elevator, Felicia trailing them. Robert says, let him talk to the director, but Hersley says, if he’s referring to Frisco Jones, he’s been replaced. If Robert means the new director, he’s not taking Robert’s calls. Robert tells Hersley to call him. Tell him to abort the mission before the Bureau bombs that island. Hersley asks if he needs to remind Robert that he’s under arrest, and Robert asks if he needs to remind Hersley there are lives at stake. Felicia says, innocent lives, but Hersley says, there’s nothing he can do about that. Come on. Jordan and Diane come out of the elevator, and Diane says, sorry. She’s afraid DA Scorpio isn’t going anywhere. He tells her, says who? and Jordan tells him, says me.

Spencer says, his grandmother is more than a match for Uncle Victor, but it’s not going to be a fair fight. This place is crawling with guards. Curtis says, let him worry about Laura. The three of them, get to safety. Spencer says he’s not leaving his grandmother behind, but Curtis says, that’s exactly what he’s going to do. There’s a seaplane waiting offshore on the east side of the island. Just get there, and get the hell out of here. Trina says, what about him? but he says he’ll be fine. She says, he doesn’t know that. She can’t lose him now. Not before they even know if she’s his… She hugs him.

Victor says, Laura may be willing to die, but he doubts these two are. Drew says, Victor couldn’t be more wrong, and Obrecht says, Laura needs to know something… Victor says, silence her, and the goon holding her puts his hand over her mouth. Laura asks if Victor really thinks she’d hold her own life more precious than the lives of her children and grandchildren, and he says, very well. If she’s determined to play the role of a martyr, go ahead. Do it. Die for her cause before he kills her for it. She drops the vial, and it smashes on the floor.

Nothing happens, and Victor says he’s sorry. Did he forget to mention the pathogen has to be activated by UV light. Good old fashioned sunshine. Otherwise, it’s quite harmless. Isn’t that right Liesl? (Um… so how is Valentin infected? It’s been dark since they got there. Just saying.) Obrecht says she tried to warn Laura, and Victor says, sorry. Her martyrdom is just going to have to wait for another day. He tells the goon holding Obrecht that they need to keep the good doctor breathing long enough to test the antidote on their guinea pig.

Valentin says he’s not going anywhere with Helena, but she says, he’s dying. It’s time to accept reality. He was never good enough. Not for Anna, not for anyone. He says, that’s not true, and she says, they’ll all be better off without him. He doubles over in pain, and she says, there, there. It won’t be long now.

Curtis says, Trina’s not going to lose him, but they need to get out of here right now. Trina says, there’s a satellite phone behind the bar. She can call Jordan on the way, and tell her to send help. She runs behind the bar, and Curtis says, he doesn’t have to tell Spencer how hugely important that young lady is to him. He’s counting on Spencer to get her out of here to safety. The pilot has orders to take off as soon as they’re on board. Do not wait for him, no matter how much Trina begs him. Understood? He needs to know he can trust Spencer. Spencer nods, and Trina says she’s got it. Curtis says, it’s time to move. Be smart, and be safe. Trina says, that goes double for him, and he kisses the top of her head. He starts to leave, and Trina says, she knows everything is uncertain right now, but she… He says he knows. Him too. He jets.

Carly asks TJ if there’s anything they can do for Willow. Just name it and it’s done. TJ says he defers to whatever Dr. Randolph thinks is best, and raising his voice, Michael says, Dr. Randolph isn’t here… Sorry. TJ tells him not to apologize, and Michael says, just tell him what to do so he can bring Willow home. TJ says, that’s just it; he doesn’t think Willow should go home. Not if they want to buy her more time. Michael says, of course (🍷) that’s the goal, and Carly asks if hospice is an option. TJ says, it’s always an option. They will definitely keep Willow comfortable as she transitions. Michael says, transitions? To death? TJ says he hates this too, and Carly says, what if she stays here? TJ says, then they can treat her symptoms as they develop. She has a chance of surviving until Drew gets here, but he’s not going to lie. Willow will be in a great deal of pain. Her enlarged lymph nodes are putting pressure on her organs. Michael says he brings his wife home to die comfortably or she stays in the hospital, suffering to survive, or maybe not, and TJ says, it’s a horrible choice. Carly says, but one he has to make.

Dex asks, what makes Josslyn think he’s having second thoughts? and she says, because he sees something in Sonny that she and Michael don’t. And she gets it. She used to see it too. It’s not as easy to turn Sonny in as he thought, is it? He says, Michael hired him to do a job, and he intends to finish it. The job, if he hadn’t taken, would have never brought him to her. She says, so no regrets, and he says, it’s not a regret to admit two things can be true. (GH’s favorite phrase.) She says, such as? and he says, Sonny’s breaking Federal law, violating the NSA, and deserves to be in prison. He also saved Dex’s life when he didn’t have to. So when the Feds come for Sonny, he’s going to feel bad, but his part in this is over. He got the footage and gave it to Michael. It’s in her brother’s hands now.

Sonny says he could kill Ned for putting Carly and Drew in this position, and Nina says, Ned? He says, that’s what the Quartermaines do. Michael’s distracted, Valentin and Drew are off the grid, so Ned is going to make his move. She says, it’s a good thing the SEC didn’t hold Carly overnight, and Sonny says he bought Drew some time also. She says, it’s really wonderful of him. She’s sure Michael and Carly were very grateful. He says he’s not looking for a pat on the back, and she says, of course (🍷) he’s not. That doesn’t mean she can’t give him one. He says, here’s the thing. He’s going to do everything he can for his family. He doesn’t care what’s going on between them. If somebody messes with one of us, they mess with all of us. He’s telling her right now, if Ned had anything to do with it, he’d better brace himself. Nina says she’s been thinking about what he said about flying down to the islands, and he says, she told him that she didn’t want to go. She says she reconsidered. How soon can they leave? He says he thought she didn’t want to go with everything happening with Willow, and she says she’s a little uneasy about it, but he made a point when he said they could get back to Port Charles in a few hours. She thinks they need a little time alone to recharge and regroup. When they get back home, they’ll be more ready to help whoever needs them. She knows he’s dealing with a big business thing. Is that going to stop him from getting away? He says he took care of it, and she asks if that’s a yes. He tells her to let him make a call. If I were Nina, I’d head to Nixon Falls right about now, and never look back.

Josslyn tells Dex that she doubts Michael is going to call the Feds on Sonny any time soon. He’s so focused on Willow. Dex says, totally understandable, and she says, but it’s not great for him. He says, until Michael puts Sonny away, he’s always going to be looking over his shoulder, wondering if it’s the end, if Sonny’s onto him. Who wants to live like that? She says, not her, and he says, him either. She says, still, for this last little bit of time, before all hell breaks loose, and her whole family is divided between Team Sonny and Team Michael, she’s just going to enjoy the peace. And she’s so glad she gets to enjoy it with him. She kisses him, and his phone rings. He looks at it, and she says, what’s wrong? He shows her it’s Sonny calling, and he says, boss. Sonny says, Brick is using his jet, and he needs Dex to call a private airstrip and have them charter a plane as soon as possible. He’ll send Dex the contact information. Dex says, destination? and Sonny says, paradise. Josslyn asks what he wanted, and Dex says, a plane out of town… tonight. She says, he doesn’t think Sonny knows what he and Michael are planning, but he says, no. If Sonny was onto him, he’d be the one leaving town, and Sonny would make sure he never came back.

TJ says, Michael and Willow are married now, so while she’s unconscious, what happens next is up to him. Michael says, Willow wouldn’t want to die in the hospital. The lights, the sounds, she hates it all so much. Carly says she knows Michael wants to respect that, but what if keeping her here means she doesn’t die? Michael says, there are so many variables, none of which he has any control over. He doesn’t know. He has to think. He walks off, and Carly thanks TJ for being so steady around Michael. She knows it’s torture for him too. He says he just wishes he could do more, for both of them. She says, they all do. She wants to be strong for Michael, but most of the time, she just wants to curl in a ball. He says, but she doesn’t. That’s what matters. She’s here by Michael’s side, offering any support he needs. He’s lucky to have her. She says, he’s lucky to have TJ too. They all are.

Sitting by Willow’s bedside, Michael says he hates the thought of Willow being in more pain. It’s the second to the last thing he wants. He takes her hand and wonders how they got here. He flashes back to Willow saying, they’re getting married. She’s going to be his wife. She knows they have this scary thing looming over them, but she doesn’t want it to overshadow the fact they’re marrying each other, and they love each other. Whether they get 60 hours or 60 years, he’s her guy. He remembers telling Willow that it’s the last time he’s going to see her before she becomes his wife, and he wants to remember this moment. She says she’ll never forget it. He flashes back to their wedding, and telling her that he’s grateful for her friendship and her courage, her love and compassion. And most important, how she’s been such an amazing mother to Wiley, and now Amelia. The fact that he gets to call her his wife… Willow says, Michael?

Josslyn tells Dex that he needs to be really careful. Nothing gets past Sonny, and if he’s starting to suspect… He says he’ll be careful, when her phone rings. She says, mom? and Carly says, it’s Willow. Josslyn asks, what happened?… She’s on her way. She tells Dex that Willow’s been taken to the hospital, and he says he’ll drive her, but she says, he has to stay here and deal with Sonny, and she has to be with her family. He says he’ll walk her out, and she says, that she’ll take him up on.

Hersley says, this is a matter of national… no, international security. Jordan has no jurisdiction here. Diane says, that’s actually for a judge to decide, a precedent set by Chandler versus the United States. Robert says he just loves when she talks precedents, and Hersley says, this is Felicia’s doing, isn’t it? Felicia says she has faith in Mayor Collins and her friends. Just give them a chance to come through. Hersley says, faith is nice, but those bombs are a sure thing, and Diane says, the only sure thing in his future is a discussion about DA Scorpio’s civil rights. She would take those handcuffs off him, unless Hersley wants them to be part of that discussion. By all means, contact his superiors. She of course (🍷) will be contacting the Federal District Court. Hersley takes the cuffs off Robert, and leaves with Diane. Jordan tells Robert, she hates to say it, but Hersley may be right. If Laura and the rest of them fail… Felicia says, they won’t, and Robert says, it won’t matter unless he can talk that new director into calling off the drone strike.

Trina thinks the baby is going to need another blanket, but Spencer tells her to wait. He doesn’t like the idea of her going off on her own right now. She says, two minutes; he can time her. She leaves, and Spencer bounces Ace, saying, it’s just us, buddy. Just him, and Ace… He hears something, and says, that was fast. He turns to see the creepy nanny, and says, she’s not Trina. She says she most certainly isn’t, and he says he doesn’t think he ever got her name. She says, no, but she knows his, young Mr. Cassadine, and he and that baby aren’t going anywhere.

Victor says, Drew is now useless to him, and Goon143 shoves Drew to his knees. An alarm goes off, and Victor wonders, what’s that? Laura asks if Drew brought a plus one, and Drew says he thought she did. Victor says he knew there were more of them, and tells the Goon Squad to kill them. Something blows up in the hallway, and there’s smoke everywhere. Everyone ducks down, and Anna comes in with a gun.

There’s some shooting back and forth, and Victor says, go get her. Goon231 runs out.

Creepy nanny says, there’s plenty of security on this ship. Nice big fellows who can stop Spencer from leaving. (Ha-ha! Ace looks worried – baby acting!) But they don’t want the baby involved in the struggle, so why doesn’t he just hand Ace over? Spencer says he has a better idea. Why doesn’t she go back to the stateroom, and forget she ever saw them. She says, the senior Mr. Cassadine hired her to take care of the baby. She won’t disappoint him. She puts on the radio, and says, anyone on this channel, there’s been a breach… Trina whacks her over the head from behind, and she goes down. Trina says, less than two minutes? and he says, her timing’s perfect.

Carly tells TJ that Josslyn should be here any moment, and he asks how she’s handling everything. Carly says, like mother, like daughter, when Josslyn comes out of the elevator. She puts on a brave face, but like everyone else, she’s terrified. Josslyn asks who Carly is calling terrified, and they hug. Josslyn says, Carly’s right; she’s terrified. Carly says, her too.

Michael asks how Willow is feeling, and she says she’s okay, she thinks. What happened? He says, she passed out, and he took her to the hospital. She says, they were talking about Sonny, and he says, they’re done with that conversation, he promises. But first… She says, they need to focus on her health, and he says, she needs that transplant. She says she really wants to be home with him and the kids, and he says he wants that too; all of them do. But her best chance, her only chance, is to stay here in the hospital.

Sonny says, they’re going to go by Nina’s place, pick up her clothes, put them in a bag, and go to the airstrip. She says, sounds perfect, and he says, she doesn’t have to bring a lot of clothes, right? She says, is that so? and he says, it is so. They kiss, when Dex walks in, and says, everything’s been arranged, but there’s been a development. Sonny says, with the plane? but Dex says, with Willow.

Helena tells Valentin, don’t fight it. The pain will soon be over. He says he’ll take complete agony over eternity with her, and she says, such a waste. She could have made a legend out of him. Instead, he’s just one more corpse.

Anna and Drew fight with Victor’s goons, and Laura reaches for the cannister on the lab table, but Victor puts a gun to her head, and says, don’t.

Nina asks Dex, what about Willow? Did she have another episode? Dex says he doesn’t have any details, and she says, whatever he knows. Please. He says, Carly called Josslyn, and said Willow collapsed and was rushed to GH. Joss went to meet her mom; he came straight here. Sonny says, call the airstrip and cancel the flight, and tells Nina, let’s go.

Josslyn asks if Willow is going to be okay, but Carly says she doesn’t know. Her only chance is a transplant. Josslyn says, and they can’t have that without Liesl, and Carly wonders where they are. Josslyn says, she still hasn’t heard from Drew? and Carly says, they have to be okay, and they have to come home now. Josslyn asks how much time they have, and Carly says, not enough.

Willow asks what Dr. Randolph says, and Michael says he hasn’t talked to her. It’s TJ’s opinion that if she wants to hold on until Drew and Liesl get home, she’s got to stay in the hospital for treatment. She says she can come in every day, but he says, they want her constantly monitored so they can treat any symptoms that may arise in real time. She says, assuming Drew and Liesl come back in time… but he says, they can’t think that way. They’re going to come back. And there’s a whole team of specialists here who are in her corner, who want to keep her alive, but it starts with her. She has to do her part. Willow says, and her part is spending what could be her last days away from her family, but Michael tells her that he’ll bring Wiley and Amelia here whenever he can. He knows this goes against everything she wanted, but they’re down to the wire. This is their last shot. Please tell him that she’ll take it.

Spencer tells Trina, the nanny from hell is locked in the stateroom. She’s going to have a nasty headache when she wakes up, but she’ll be okay. They hear shooting, and Trina asks what they do. He tells her, they do what Curtis said. They have to get his brother to safety. The seaplane isn’t going to wait for them forever. She tells Spencer that she has to call Jordan, and hands him the baby.

There’s more fighting with Anna and Drew, and Victor tells Laura, step away. Anna gets hit hard.

Josslyn asks how Carly is holding up. She’s the one who got drug out of a wedding by the SEC. Carly says she cares about the charges, but she cares more about Willow and Michael, and what they’re going through. Willow was weak before, let’s hope this SEC situation doesn’t push her past her breaking point. (Um… I don’t think that’s what did it. Throwing mental guilt darts at Michael.) Josslyn says, that’s on Ned, and Carly says, what he did was vindictive and cruel, and she honestly didn’t expect it from him. Josslyn asks if she thought there were lines he wouldn’t cross, and Carly says she guesses she did. She knows the Quartermaines play dirty; they blackmail each other over their morning coffee. But the way everyone rallied around Michael and Willow for the wedding, she thought it was sincere. Now, when Willow’s waiting for a transplant, it’s thoughtless and reckless. She really didn’t think this was Ned, but maybe it is. What is she talking about? She’s the one who gave him the opening. It’s all on her. Josslyn protests, but Carly says, it is. Drew and Michael separately and together begged her not to get involved. They didn’t want her to buy any Aurora stock, but she did because she had to help. So much for helping. Josslyn says, so buying that stock wasn’t great, and Carly says, it was terrible. Josslyn says she understands, but Carly was just trying to help someone she loved. Intentions matter. Carly says, they sure do; the road to hell’s paved with them. Josslyn says, what Carly set out to do was good. What Ned set out to do was harmful. Carly was just trying to help someone she loved, and Ned wanted to inflict damage. Carly says, Ned called in the SEC because her and Drew’s actions made them vulnerable. Josslyn says, that’s awful, but she’s having a hard time believing Ned wanted them to show up at the wedding. Carly says can’t believe anyone would want to do that to Michael and Willow; ruin their special day. Josslyn says, their special day wasn’t ruined. Carly saw the looks on their faces when they exchanged their vows. They were so happy and they were so in love, and she genuinely believes that’s what’s going to get Willow to hold on. Carly says she wants to believe that too, when Josslyn’s phone rings. She says, it’s Dex, and steps away. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, everything’s fine. He just saw Sonny and Nina, and thought she’d want to know. Sonny and Nina walk in, and she says, they’re coming to the hospital. He says he takes it they’re already there, and she says, they just got here. He says, sorry there wasn’t more of a heads up. Sonny and Nina walk over to Carly, and they give each other soap looks.

Willow tells Michael, if Drew is putting his life on the line to bring Liesl back to them, then she needs to do whatever she can to make the risk worth it. He says, so she’ll stay and fight? and she says, with everything in her.

Anna rallies, and totally kicks the ass of the goon who punched her. Victor tells Obrecht that they’re leaving. Laura says, Victor, and he says, goodbye, Laura, shooting her. She falls, and he hustles Obrecht out the door. Goon47 points his gun at Anna, but a shot from somewhere downs him. Anna sees Curtis, and says, good shot. He says, thanks. Is she okay. She says she is, and he goes to Laura, who’s already up. She says she’s okay; it’s just a graze. Drew asks where Victor is, and Laura says, he took Obrecht, and the pathogen, and ran out. Curtis goes after them.

Trina asks if Jordan can hear her, and Jordan says she can. Where is she? Trina says, on the Haunted Star with Spencer and Ace, and Jordan says, listen to her. She has to get off that boat now. Trina says, they know, but… Jordan says, there are drones on their way to drop bombs on the entire island, and they have no way to stop them. Take the baby and get to the seaplane before it’s too late.

Outside, Victor tells Obrecht, come on. Keep moving. They’re going to leave just the way they came; get moving. He pushes her along, and I think, why do they always have to give their captive a push? A voice says, going somewhere? and Victor turns to see Holly with a gun pointed at him. Obrecht smiles.

Anna comes back with Drew, who says, they have the guards tied up in the hall; they’re not going anywhere. Anna tells Drew that he has to go after Victor. He can’t escape with the pathogen. Drew jets, and Anna asks Laura, where’s Valentin? Laura says, he’s in the isolation room. Victor used him as a test subject for the pathogen. Anna says, oh my God, and runs out. Laura says, let’s find Trina and Spencer now, and as she and Curtis pass a computer screen, Laura looks at it. It’s got some staticky lines going in and out, and it’s making noises like dial-up used to. Curtis says, what’s that? and Laura says she knows that sound. She looks pretty worried.

Helena tells Valentin, let go. Doesn’t he trust his mother? He says, there’s only one person he trusts with his life. He cries, and says, there’s only one. He looks up, and sees Anna looking through the window. He smiles.

Curtis says, they have to get out of here and catch up with the others before that seaplane takes off without them, but Laura says, they can’t go right now. He says, why not? and she says, this computer. It’s like the one that controlled Mikkos’s weather machine. The one from forty years ago.

So it is dial-up.

Tomorrow, Willow wants to see someone; Anna won’t let Valentin die; Trina says she’s not leaving Spencer; Holly tells Victor that he failed again; and Victor says, he could have fixed the world if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids. Okay, not really on that last one, but I want it so much.

🔃 Wait, What…?

Apparently, we’re getting a new Kristina.

🦸🏽 It Was the Pathogen…

It would be awesome if the pathogen turned Valentin into a superhero. In his off-time, he’s halfway there.

📝 Strike That…

I suppose it comes down to how long the strike goes on.

But in a pinch, you can watch this.

🍸 A Little Bit Of Scandoval In Your Life…

Small favors.

Sandoval’s picture is next to cliché in the dictionary.

💃🏾 To the Met and Beyond…

The fashion.

https://okmagazine.com/p/new-york-socialite-kamie-lightburn-dishes-best-met-gala-looks/

https://www.instyle.com/met-gala-2023-red-carpet-7480093

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/fashion/g43757161/best-worst-dressed-met-gala-2023/

https://www.eonline.com/photos/36008/met-gala-2023-red-carpet-fashion

In case you need explanation.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/who-was-karl-lagerfeld-2023-met-gala-theme-explained/

After the ball is over.

https://people.com/style/met-gala-2023-afterparty-outfits/

🪳 Uninvited Guest…

But who was he wearing?

https://www.etonline.com/cockroach-goes-viral-after-crashing-the-2023-met-gala-red-carpet-203807

🐱 Best Thing Ever…

And of course, the cat.

https://people.com/pets/choupette-cat-responds-met-gala-outfits-jared-leto-doja-cat/

🧺 Bringing Out the Sheaves…

Set a spell tomorrow for some soap, freshly brewed tea, words of importance (or not), and music for May. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting other people’s time and not being late, and stay holding onto hope, even in the worst circumstances. You never know when the tide can shift.  

April 28, 2023 – Anna Gets Some Familiar Help, It’s Crazy, Weird Reunion, Probable Return, Two Awfuls, Binge Wives, Pets (!), 8 Concise Quotes & Doctor

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Somewhere in Greenland. Curtis asks if Valentin thinks they were seen, and Anna adds, or heard. Valentin says, the Haunted Star is docked. Let’s hope their radar’s off. Drew says, If it’s not, radar is usually used to detect debris, other ships, icebergs, things like that. They came in low, beneath the hills, and landed on the opposite side of the island. Curtis says, they took the scenic route, and Valentin says, it’s the safest way to approach the island undetected. Curtis says, and for bringing home Trina and Liesl, and Laura’s grandsons.

Holly goes to Anna’s hospital room, and says, Robert’s busy lobbying the Bureau about stepping up the rescue. Anna says, whatever it takes. The island is in international waters, so not any government can claim it. Holly says, no sovereignty to answer to; you’d think that would make it easier. Anna asks if he said anything else, and Holly says she was hoping on reflection he’d decide they were crazy to think Victor’s in possession of a biological weapon, but he does think that is the likely scenario. Anna says, he’s going to have to convince them of that, and give them airtight evidence to convince them to take any action. Holly asks how they find airtight proof, and Anna says she called in a favor. There’s a knock at the door, and Holly opens it. Andre says, Anna Devane, what have you gotten yourself into this time. I love Andre!

Jordan calls Curtis, but gets voicemail. She says, it’s a long time to have his phone off. Call her.

Josslyn walks into the squad room, and asks Dante where her mom is. He says, she’s in the interrogation room with the SEC, and Josslyn asks if they said what it was about. He says, all he can tell her is, her mom’s in a bit of trouble.

In the interrogation room, Diane says her client is absolutely willing to cooperate, even though they dragged her out of her son’s wedding to bring her down here. SEC guy 1 says, they apologize, but it’s a very serious matter. They have reason to believe Carly colluded with Drew Cain to raise the stock price of Aurora Media. SEC guy 2 says, and it could send her and Drew to prison.

Michael says, how are you feeling, Mrs. Corinthos? and Willow says, happily married, Mr. Corinthos. How about him? He says, same. He’s just sorry this business with his mother interrupted their night. She says, interrupted, but didn’t derail. They got married; that’s what matters. She is worried about his mom though. He says he’s sure this will all get sorted out, when Sonny comes in, and asks if they spoke to Diane. The SEC got a tip that Carly colluded with Drew during the ELQ/Aurora merger last year. Michael says, that merger didn’t even happen. What’s the big deal? Willow wonders what it means for Michael. He had a division at Aurora, and he’s a major shareholder at ELQ. Will they bring charges against him too?

Frank tells Dex, sweep’s done. There are no bugs in the warehouse. Dex says, great. Boss wants him to check the perimeter while he gets everything set up. Frank leaves, and Dex takes out a tiny camera. Brick walks in and says, got you now, kid.

Portia looks at a photo of her and Trina from the wedding on her phone, and flashes back to Trina saying I love you on the phone call from the Haunted Star. Scotty says, Dr. Robinson, or is it Dr. Ashford? and Portia says, it’s still Dr. Robinson. She asks how she can help him, and he says, she’s here by herself. He thought she could use a little company, since they’re kind of in the same boat. She thanks him, and says, that would be lovely, and she’s told him before, please, it’s Portia. He must be so worried about Liesl. He says he is, but she’s a tough cookie, and if you cross her, she’s kind of dangerous. He finds that comforting right now. Not to make things worse… She says she doesn’t think he can, but he says he can. Just ask anybody. Trina’s not a mad scientist like Liesl. Those Cassadines… Portia must be scared about what they have up their sleeves. Portia says she is, and Scotty says, she must be worried sick, which brings him to his million dollar question. Why is she here at the hospital and not at home? She says, simply put, work is the only thing keeping her from losing her mind right now.

Anna introduces Andre to Holly, and Holly wonders why she knows that name… Oh, right. He was involved in the Anamnesis Project. He says, and he’s been trying to right that wrong ever since, and Holly says, he has her empathy. A short time ago, she got mixed up in something deplorable, and ever since, she’s been trying to help the Bureau in any way she can. Anna says, Andre’s been doing the same. Thankfully, he’s been backchanneling into the Bureau’s records without raising any alarm. Andre takes out his tablet, and says, unfortunately, he doesn’t have access to any files directly related to Project Demeter, but he’s hoping he got them the next best thing. Back when he was doing psyche evals for the Bureau, he had access to the complete dossier of the original operation against the Cassadines. Holly says, the crazy weather machine? That was… He says, forty years ago. Holly says she’s amazed they didn’t delete all those files with Victor in charge, and Andre says he’s sure they did. Fortunately, the WSB is an institution of many failsafes and redundancies. So he just downloaded it off the server. Holly asks if that isn’t traceable, and he says, oh yes. When they realize he did it, they’re going to come looking for him, and he’ll have a lot of questions to answer. Anna says, they’d better find something quick.

Jordan leaves a message for Laura, saying, she just called Laura’s office, and they said she was taking personal time. Give her a call back please.

Josslyn says, insider trading? and Dante says, in the Aurora/ELQ merger. She says, but her mom lost money; she lost her hotel. He says, the SEC doesn’t care whether her mom lost money or not. They care about the timing of the stock mergers. Jordan comes by, and Josslyn says, her mom didn’t do anything wrong. Jordan says she hopes that proves to be true, but at the moment there are far more pressing matters going on in Port Charles than some business deal. Josslyn says, exactly. Like finding Trina and Spencer and Ace, and nobody is sure how much longer Willow can wait for Liesl Obrecht. Jordan says, she’s right there with Josslyn, and hopes their colleagues at the SEC treat her mom fairly. Josslyn says, she does have Diane, and Jordan says, with any luck, and Ms. Miller’s skill, they’ll release her mother as soon as they’re done questioning her. Dante says, they’re looking for Drew as well. Carly’s not going to give him up. Jordan says, Drew went radio silent too? and Dante asks if someone else went off grid. Jordan tells him to hold down the fort here. She needs to go check in on somebody.

Dex says he thought Brick was overseeing things on the west coast, but Brick says, it wasn’t a problem to fly out. The deal’s important, and it’s a good thing he came; Sonny’s been delayed. Family matters. Sonny shouldn’t be too long, but he’s here just in case.

Sonny says, the tip that the SEC got only concerns Carly and Drew. They’re working under the assumption that Michael was in the dark about any conversation as far as the merger. He asks Michael if that’s true, and Michael says, of course (🍷). Willow says, maybe Michael should go to the station and be with his mother and Joss, but Michael says, there’s no way he’s leaving her side. She says she’ll still be here when he gets back, and Sonny tells them to have fun on their wedding night. Eat cake, do whatever they have to do. He’s going to see if Carly and Josslyn are okay. He leaves, and Michael looks guilty, as he should.

SEC1 says, Carly and Drew have a close relationship, and Carly says, they’re members of the same extended family, and Drew is her son’s uncle. SEC2 says, they look pretty friendly right here, handing her a picture. Diane laughs, and we see it’s a picture of them hugging. She says, as her client stated, they’re members of the same extended family, and another member of that extended family, namely her client’s daughter-in-law, was recently diagnosed with Stage IV leukemia. When did it become a violation of SEC standards for family members to comfort each other? SEC1 says, they’re not unreasonable – Diane says, yes they are – and they don’t want to make an example out of her. She’s a public citizen, and it will go easy for her if she cooperates, and tells them where they can find Drew Cain.

Michael says he’s sorry this went down on their wedding day, and Willow asks if he called in the tip. He says, no, and she says, then it’s not his fault. She kisses him and seems a little dizzy for a moment. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, he’s never made a woman swoon before? He suggests she go upstairs, and get comfortable. There’s still plenty of food and champagne. No reason they can’t still celebrate. She says she likes the way he thinks. Let’s do it. He helps her up, and she leaves. Ned says he’s sorry. He really hates that things went down like this today. Michael asks what he means. This is exactly what Ned wanted.

Carly asks if they’ve checked Drew’s office, and SEC1 says, they know where he isn’t. Tell them where he is. Carly says, go to hell, and SEC2 asks Diane if she has any advice for her client at this juncture. Diane says she thinks they all just heard her client make her position abundantly clear, and as for this tender moment caught by the GH security cameras, they could have footage of her client and Mr. Cain making out like hormonal teenagers, and they still have no indication of the actual substance of their conversation. So they’ll have to do a hell of a lot better than that. She slides the picture back across the table, and SEC1 says, her client, who had no previous investments in Aurora Media, made a seven figure stock purchase immediately prior to the proposed merger between Aurora and ELQ. The timing alone presents a strong enough argument of collusion and insider trading. Although they are within their rights to hold Miss Spencer for 24 hours without charging her. Diane asks, can her client at least get some coffee if this is going to turn into a staycation for her, or is that an upcharge? SEC1 throws up his hands, and Diane goes into the squad room with Carly.

Josslyn hugs Carly, and says she’s worried about her. Sonny walks in, and says, they all are.

Drew asks if Valentin has anything, but Valentin says he’s still trying to get a satellite signal; give him a second. Drew says, keep at it, but in the meantime – he unfolds a map – the plan remains the same. The Haunted Star docked here – he points – on the west side of the island about 14 hours ago. Curtis asks how far they are from the boat, and Drew tells them, he’d say less than an hour. The island is small; less than one square mile. They just have to cross the land mass without getting caught. Valentin says, good thing they’re dressed warmly, and Curtis says, just so they’re on the same page, they’re not here to take down Victor Cassadine. Whatever he has planned is between him and the Bureau. They have to stick to their original plan of rescuing Trina, Spencer, Obrecht, and the baby. This is no time for anyone’s personal vendetta. Are they clear? Valentin says, crystal.

Anna says, some of this is redacted, when there’s a knock at the door. Jordan walks in, saying, she needs to talk to Anna about… She stops short, and says, Andre. He says, it’s been a long time, and she says, years in fact. What is he doing in Port Charles? Anna says, he heard about her ordeal, and wanted to check on her. Jordan says, of course (🍷) he did. She’s sure this has nothing to do with the fact no one can reach Laura, Curtis, or Drew. And since Valentin isn’t here by Anna’s bedside, and Andre is, that means something’s going down. Please tell her that they haven’t gone off on some half-baked rescue mission of their own. Holly says, they can neither confirm nor deny a rescue mission, half-baked or otherwise, and Jordan says she was afraid of that. Anna says she should have looped Jordan in. Her bad. Sorry. Jordan says, so Valentin, Curtis, Laura, and Drew all went out to rescue Trina and the others, and cause an international incident in the process? Holly asks if it would help to know where they’re going doesn’t technically belong to a sovereign nation, and Jordan says, just tell her how she can reach them. Holly says, so she can wish them luck? and Jordan says, so she can tell them to stand down. Anna says, Valentin does have a sat phone, but the reception is dodgy at best, and Jordan says, give her the number. Anna says she will, but she thinks it’s important to let them at least try to bring the hostages back. Jordan says, convince her. Why is this their only option? Anna says, because while a world government is sitting around debating what they’re going to do and what action to take, they can run out of time saving them. Jordan asks what she means, run out of time, and Andre closes the door. Anna says, they believe that Victor has been searching for a weapon of mass destruction. Holly says, and she thinks she knows what kind of weapon… the end of civilization.

Michael ask if Ned remembers what he said to him and Drew last fall, and Ned flashes back to saying, Michael’s mother knew about the potential merger; that’s why she bought the stock. That’s called insider trading, and it’s illegal. Martha Stewart went to prison for much less. Luckily for them, no one’s looked into it. It’s something they need to consider. Michael says, Ned threatened Drew that he could tip off the SEC. Now he has. Ned says, if Michael really thinks so little of him that he would send Michael’s mother to prison while his wife is dying, then Michael doesn’t know him at all. Michael says he guesses Ned is right. He really doesn’t.

Diane asks if Dante has any idea where Drew is, and he says, Drew was supposed to be at the wedding, walking Willow down the aisle. He guesses Drew’s plans changed. She asks if he thinks Drew got wind of the SEC’s interest and bolted, but he says, Drew doesn’t strike him as the type. She says, at least Carly isn’t antagonizing two federal agents for someone who ran off and left her holding the bag.

Carly says, the SEC knows about her and Drew; does Sonny know who might have said something? He says, the only people he knows who know about this are Brick and Olivia, and they would not say anything. Josslyn asks if they’re still holding Carly, and Carly says, yes. They think she knows where Drew is. Sonny says, does she? and lowering her voice, she says, he went after Victor to find Liesl, so he can bring her home to save Willow. And if the authorities find him, and get in his way… Sonny says, excuse him for a second, and leaves.

Brick says, Dex was with Sonny when he was ambushed. What was his take on the shooter? Dex says, he was a pro. He only missed the first shot because Dex saw movement out of the corner of his eye. Once he had them pinned, he was methodical. Brick says, so ex-military, and Dex says, almost certainly. Brick says, but a ghost. No fingerprints, DNA, nothing showed up on the database. Someone invested a whole lot of money to make this guy invisible. Dex wonders why he was after Sonny, and Brick says, that’s what Sonny wants to know. Brick’s phone rings, and he says, speaking of the devil. He asks Sonny, what’s up? and Sonny says, Carly and Drew are in a jam. He needs a favor. Brick says, name it, and while he’s talking, Dex sets the tiny camera up. Brick says he’ll get his people on it asap. No problem. Brick tells Dex that he has to take care of something for Sonny. Is he good here? Dex says, all good, and Brick leaves. A guard or whatever comes in, and Dex looks around nervously. Remind me not to send him to spy for me.

Scotty tells Portia that he knows what it’s like trying to distract yourself so your mind doesn’t go to bad places. Hell, he hasn’t been able to sleep in a while. He also knows what it’s like not to be able to help your child. Not that this is the same thing. She says, he doesn’t have to justify his fear. He loves Liesl, and they’re both here because the fear for their loved ones right now. He says, it’s the helplessness he can’t stand. Ever since Trina and Liesl were kidnapped, he has the sneaking suspicion he’s been kept in the dark. Robert, Anna, Felicia, and Laura. He thinks they know exactly when Victor has his martinis, and this whole Holly coming back to town… He thinks it’s all connected to Luke Spencer’s death. She asks why he says that, and he tells her, because Luke ended them in ’81, and they’re sore losers. So Victor got rid of Luke, and now Luke’s family wants to get rid of Victor, but who’s their collateral damage? Her and him… Trina, Liesl. God forbid you cross the Cassadines or the Spencers. Portia says she wishes she didn’t agree with him, but she’ll tell him one thing. She’s going to do everything in her power to make sure Spencer Cassadine does not come near her daughter ever again. And when Curtis brings Trina home… He asks what she means. Does she know something?

Andre asks what Holly found, and she hands him the tablet. He looks at it with Anna, and Holly says, the original dossier on the Cassadines from 1981. It’s got conversations between senior directors at the Bureau that even Robert wasn’t privy to back then. Anna says, so what they’re looking at are the psyche profiles of the three Cassadine brothers; Mikkos, Victor, and Tony. Ha-ha-ha! Tony? Which one of these things is not like the others? Anna says, Tony was more interested in living his playboy lifestyle than pulling off any kind of grand scheme. Jordan says, so no mastermind, and Holly says, unlike Mikkos, who was a megalomaniac, entirely fueled by greed and power. Jordan asks how this is different from Victor, and Anna says, while their actions might be very similar, their motivations were very different. Victor has always been an idealist, and evil certainly. Where Mikkos wanted to control the world, Victor was always determined to fix it. He really believed that these weapons they were developing would curtail the developing population that he believed was draining the resources of the world. Jordan asks if this is what Victor is trying to do now, and Anna says, Project Demeter. Demeter, the goddess of the harvest, who was so brokenhearted over her daughter Persephone; that’s what gave us the seasons. Holly says, in Greek mythology, one prayed and worshiped Demeter because she was responsible for the weather, and Andre says, is that the threat they’re dealing with? Could Victor be trying to reverse the climate crisis, and if so, why would he need hostages? Anna tells them, it says here that weather related tech was only one of the brother’s endeavors… Could Project Demeter be the Bureau’s attempt at retrieving all those weapons forty years ago? Holly says, scroll down.  There’s another weapon that hasn’t been accounted for yet. Anna scrolls down, and Jordan asks what it is. Anna says, an engineered virus, one that only a small portion of the population would be immune to. Jordan asks, how many wouldn’t be immune? and Anna says, according to this, the pathogen would be lethal to 80% of the population. Holly asks if this is what Victor’s idealism has led him to; saving the planet at the expense of 80% of the population? They have to get the WSB. She takes out her phone, but Andre puts his hand over it, and says, no. They can’t.

Ned says, Michael is dangerously close to saying things he can’t take back. Things that will make him look very bad when the truth comes out. Willow and Brook walk in as Michael says, the truth is, Ned is the one who pitched coming together to force Valentin out. Then when Drew put his company on the line, Ned double-crossed him. But Ned still thought he was a threat, so he turned Drew over to the SEC, and Michael’s mom was collateral damage. They all know Ned has no qualms about selling any of them out if it keeps him in power at ELQ. He even threw his own daughter out. Brook says, that’s enough, and Ned says, she’s right, it is, and walks out. Brook follows him, and Willow looks at Michael.

SEC1 tells Carly, good news. She’s free to go. Diane wonders what’s prompted this sudden change of heart, and he says, they found Drew Cain. He boarded a flight from San Diego to Maui fifteen minutes ago. In the meantime, the investigation is still ongoing, and charges could be pending. Diane says, understood, and she leaves with the SEC guys to finalize details. Carly tells Josslyn, the hell? Why does the SEC think Drew’s on his way to Maui? Sonny walks back in.

Valentin says he’s going to scope the area to see if he can find a satellite signal, and Drew says he’ll go to, to keep an eye out for Victor’s men. They leave, and Curtis asks how Laura is holding up. She says she’s cold, but also sort of energized. He asks if it takes her back to a more adventurous time, and she says, something like that. She’s trying to remember a time before all this madness began. Before the Cassadines infiltrated her life and tried to take it over. The first time she crossed paths with Victor and his brother, she was Trina’s age, and now Trina is on the Haunted Star. That’s the ship Helena gave to her and Luke for a wedding gift and then she cursed it, and she liked her curses. He says he’s not sure he much believes in curses, and she says she didn’t think that she did either, but Helena’s words have been looming over her for decades, and every time she thinks she’s gotten past it, it comes right back to haunt her again. He says, okay, so Helena’s dead. Hasn’t she won? Laura laughs and says, has she? The Cassadines keep finding ways to hurt her and her family, and now it’s her grandsons. It’s got to stop. Curtis says, then they stop it. If she says it’s a curse, it’s a curse. Then they break it, once and for all. She says she likes the sound of that.

Andre says, they can’t share their theory with the Bureau. Not now. Anna says she thinks they have more than just a theory, and Holly says, there’s a biological agent that could wipe out most of the world’s population. If not now, when? Andre says, let him put it like this. If she were the WSB and received this intel, what would she do? How would the Bureau react and respond to this information? Jordan says, clue her in, and Anna tells her that she thinks what Andre is saying is, if the Bureau finds out there’s a large scale weapon on the island, they’ll do everything in their power to neutralize it. Jordan asks if that’s not what they want, and Andre says, not if they send an aerial assault team to contain the virus. Anna says, they have to make a choice between saving eight people – Jordan says, including a babyand saving eight billion. They’ll just bomb it. They’ll just wipe that island off the map, killing everyone. But might that not release the weapon? Just saying.

Carly asks what Sonny did, and he asks what she means. She says, the SEC found evidence that Drew’s heading west? Sonny says he hopes Drew can stay ahead of them, and she says, Drew wasn’t in San Diego, and he definitely wasn’t headed to Maui. He says, as long as it keeps the SEC busy, that’s all that matters, and she says, he didn’t have to do this. He says, do what? He knows things haven’t been great between them, but they’re still family; all of them. He tells her to keep him posted, and leaves.

Michael says he’s sorry he lost his cool like that, and Willow says, he’s worried about his mom, for good reason. He says, she’d be the first one to tell him not to waste this precious time, and Willow says, she’d be right. Willow wants to get back to the gatehouse, and spend some time with Wiley and Amelia. Let’s celebrate the start of our marriage with them. His phone rings, and he says, it’s his mom. Carly asks, how’s Willow? and he says, she’s fine. She’s just anxious for Carly. Carly says, it was dicey for a while, when they asked her where Drew was off to, and he asks what she said. She says she didn’t have to say anything. They’re under the impression Drew is headed to Hawaii. He asks, how? and she says, Michael’s father.

Jordan says, they couldn’t possibly, but Holly says, the Bureau’s focus is the greater good; protecting the many over the few. And as heartless as it may sound, they’d consider Trina, Spencer, and the baby expendable. Anna says, they must remember though, that Victor did take Obrecht to that island, presumably to make the pathogen viable. If she knows anything about Liesl, she won’t make it easy for him. Andre says, which means they have some time, and Jordan says, time for what? Holly says, time for Laura and the rest to bring the hostages home before they alert the Bureau to the situation. Andre says, it’s a calculated risk; Victor could still release the pathogen. Jordan says, well what’s the point in saving the world if they can’t save the people they care about?

Portia tells Scotty that she doesn’t actually know much. She just knows Curtis left town because he left her a note. Scotty says he doesn’t think Curtis would leave town by himself. Who went with him? She thinks he should speak to Anna, and he says he will. He thanks her, and leaves.

Valentin and Drew come back, and Valentin says, good news. He got a sat signal. They’re about half a mile from the Haunted Star. Curtis says, that’s good. Let’s go. They start to walk, when Drew says, whoa, and they all stop. He says, footprints. Would Victor have his guards patrolling this far? They hear voices, and hide behind a huge rock. A man says, so far no timetable on how long this thing is going to last. Two men come by, and one says, it’s deserted. The other says, we’re getting paid a lot more than a standard fee. We see Valentin’s phone in the snow.

Carly asks if they’re done here, but Diane says, not quite. There’s another matter Carly needs to be made aware of. Pending the SEC investigation, all of Drew’s accounts and assets have been frozen. Carly says, that’s ridiculous, and Diane says, so have Carly’s.

Ned says, can Brook believe it? For Michael to accuse him like that? Insinuate that he would… She says, double-cross Drew? Secure his own position as CEO and make sure Drew isn’t a threat? Sounds like his standard tactics to her. She walks off.

Willow says, Sonny sent the SEC down the wrong trail to buy Drew time, and Michael says, he really stepped up for her. Willow says, not just for her; for Michael too.

Dante says he’s got the feeling Sonny had something to do with this hit on Drew’s location, and Josslyn says, no comment. He asks why she’s not celebrating then… because it was Sonny. She says, no comment, and he says he knows she thinks Sonny did wrong by her mother and Michael, but maybe this is a sign that one day he’ll make things right.

Brick says, they’ve got company, and Pikeman’s guards come in. In a low voice, Brick tells Dex that their boss is fashionably late. Dex says, we’re ready. Where’s their boss? A guard asks, where’s his? and Sonny says he’s here. Are they going to get this started, or what? Dex glances at the camera. Again, he is no spy.

Anna says, so they’re in agreement. They’re going to wait for Valentin and  the crew to bring everyone back. Jordan asks, how much time? but Anna says she doesn’t know. They’ll have to figure it out. They can’t stall forever obviously. Andre says he has some contacts in the Canadian military; people he trusts. He’ll get word that they might want to get within striking distance. Anna thanks him, and Holly says she’ll try to reach Valentin. He needs to know about this. They leave, and Jordan asks if Anna needs something else. The worst she can say is no, so ask. Anna says, the Bureau is probably going to run its investigation through Jordan’s department, and if they find out the location of the island or what Victor’s really up to… Jordan says she’ll run interference for as long as she can, and Anna thanks her.

Anna’s room door is open a crack, and Scotty listens outside. Jordan says, they have to keep this under wraps. People would panic if they knew Victor had a biological weapon.

Jordan looks at the picture of her and Trina from the wedding, and says, come home, baby girl. Please, please come home.

On the phone, Holly says, come on Valentin. Please pick up.

One of the Greenland guards suggests they go back, and the other says, sounds good to him. They start to move on, when Valentin’s phone rings. A guard says, hear that?

On Monday, Laura says, they give Victor exactly what he’s looking for; Anna says, Scotty does understand people’s lives are at stake; Martin asks, what was so important Nina needed to see him the moment he landed; and Victor has complete faith that Obrecht can do just that.

🥳 Like a Bad Penny…

I don’t blame her. I wouldn’t want to run against Betty White for anything either.

👠 Bursting the Bubble…

Of course it would be weird. Most people don’t act like total lunatics when it comes to their brother, especially after they’ve served a prison term.

💎 All Hail the Queen…

Actually, I think she’s too good for RHOBH, but whatever she wants.

🍸 Can’t Look Away…

When the worst human being on earth has something to say about his competition, even I have to listen. I disagree though. I don’t think Katie would have stood for Schwartz’s wishy-washiness forever. At least I hope not. He was a terrible husband.

🦘 Coming Soon To an Australia Near You…

I remember being surprised this even existed the first time around. Secret Housewives.

🐕 Let’s All Squee Together…

There’s some serious adorableness going on here.

https://www.rover.com/blog/favorite-celebrity-pets/

🐳 Quotes of the Week

Quitting can be a hard choice to make, but it’s also a brave one as well.Susan David

The safe way to double your money is to fold it over once and put it in your pocket.Kin Hubbard

The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress. – Frederick Douglass

I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.Abraham Lincoln

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist. – Indira Gandhi

Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest. – Mark Twain

When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world. – Norman Vincent Peale

He’s a Libra moon. That says a lot. – Alice (Rachel Sennott), Bodies, Bodies, Bodies

🎋 Seeing If the Grass Is Really Greener…

Circle back on Monday really Tuesday for soap, Sailing, and the never-ending reality of the House that shall not be named. Until then, stay safe, stay giving more than receiving, and stay never hiring Dex to be your spy. His face is a dead giveaway.

April 27, 2023 – Two Uninvited Guests Come To the Wedding, Congrats, Side Gig, Oh Say Can OC, Almost Walked, VanderMadness, Crowned, Daytime Emmy Info & How Far

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Bobbie says, Donna and Avery look like little princesses, and Carly says, no princess is complete without her crown. Josslyn’s phone rings, and she steps away to answer it, while Carly gets out the flower girl headpieces and she and Bobbie put them on the girls. They show Willow, and she says, perfection. Outside, Josslyn says, it’s like you read my mind. I was just thinking how much I want you here too. I assume she’s talking to Dex. Willow says, Carly is so good with the girls. Strong and confident, yet playful and fun; the kind of mom she wants to be. Carly says, that’s the kind of mom Willow is. She’s the best.

Tracy walks into the nook as Olivia is preparing some dishes, and asks, what’s all this? Olivia says, it’s called food, but Tracy says she means, what is Olivia doing with it? Olivia says, it’s for the wedding. Initially, she was going to call a caterer, then thought, why doesn’t she do it herself, and give it that nice personal touch? Tracy says, just what all brides dream of, an all-you-can-eat wedding buffet, and Olivia says, for Tracy’s information, Willow did not want some stuffy sit-down dinner,. Brook says, it’s going to be very elegant, and Ned says, Brook doesn’t need to be here. He and Olivia have this covered. Brook says she actually prefers to stay behind the scenes right now, and Olivia says, so she can avoid Chase? Maxie comes in, and says, look alive, people. Everything’s almost ready in the living room. How are things going in here? Tracy says, not to worry. All of the food is pre-cooked just like a picnic.

The chairs are set up in the living room, and Michael tells Wiley, this is were he and mommy will be standing when they exchange rings. Wiley says he has an important job, and Michael says, extremely, and there’s no one he trusts more with it.

Dante lets in Sam and Kristina, and Sonny hugs Kristina, telling her that she looks absolutely beautiful, as usual. Dante asks if Sam is ready for this, and she says she thinks so. Michael said they’re keeping things relatively simple. She can’t believe they asked her to officiate (me neither – did she quickly hop on the internet for that?), and Sonny says he can. Dante says he can too. She’s the perfect choice, especially given her relationship with Willow and Michael. Sonny asks if TJ and Molly are on their way, and Kristina says, they should be here any minute. Michael comes out with Wiley, and Sam says, looking sharp, boys. Michael says he was giving Wiley the lay of the land, and Sam says, he’s going to crush it. Wiley runs to Sonny, who asks if he’s excited about the wedding. Wiley says, yeah, and Sonny says he bets. This is the greatest ring bearer in the world. Michael says he has the best.

Nina says she gave the SEC a heads up that a certain CEO was giving his girlfriend stock tips, and Ava says, she told the SEC about Carly and Drew? Nina says, no. She had Martin Grey pass on an anonymous tip that the CEO of Aurora Media and his secret girlfriend were engaged in insider trading. So basically, she took Ava’s advice. She’s never felt better. Ava asks how long she thinks that’s going to last.

Carly asks Bobbie to take the girls to the main house, and Willow says she’s sure they’d love to see how the preparation is going. The girls get excited, and Bobbie tells them, be careful what you wish for. They might get put to work. Josslyn takes Amelia, and follows them out. Carly asks how Willow is feeling, and Willow says, honestly? She’s scared. She so wants this to be the beginning of something, and she’s terrified it’s the end.

Molly and TJ arrive, and Dante suggests commemorating the day. He calls Sonny over, and Molly takes a photo of him, Michael, Dante, and Kristina. Kristina tells Michael, it’s his wedding day, so look like he’s enjoying it, and he says he plans to enjoy every moment of it. Bobbie and Josslyn come in with the girls, and they all pose for more pictures by the stairs. Molly sniffles a little, and TJ tells her that he can take them, but she says she’s got it. Kristina asks if Josslyn wants to get in, but Josslyn says she’s good for now, and Kristina says, suit herself. Molly takes more photos, and they file into the living room. Sam asks TJ if everything is all right with Molly.

Ned practices some scales, and Tracy says, please, but he says, Michael and Willow asked him to sing at the ceremony, and he doesn’t want to disappoint them with rusty pipes. Tracy says, they don’t want anything to derail this ultra highbrow wedding, and Olivia says she’s had just about enough of Tracy. Brook suggests Tracy go into the living room; everyone will be excited to see her. Tracy says, fat chance, but Brook says, even so, and steers her out. Ned tells Olivia to decompress, but Olivia tells him that she didn’t say a word. He tells her, which says everything, and she asks, exactly how long is mommy dearest planning on staying? He shrugs.

TJ says, Molly’s fine, and Sam says, is he sure? She seems a little off. He says he’s sure, but he’s glad she has the support of her sisters.

Kristina asks how the doctor’s appointment went, and Molly says, fine. Kristina says, that’s it? and Molly says, it’s private, but Kristina says, the Davis women don’t do private. What’s going on? Molly says, it turns out getting pregnant might be more difficult than she and TJ had hoped.

Bringing Tracy into the living room, Brook nearly smacks into Chase (again), and Tracy says, the young man Brook’s been hiding from. Brook says, no, and Tracy says, the policeman who owes her a debt of gratitude. Chase says, I’m sorry? and Tracy asks if her granddaughter moved heaven and earth to get his badge reinstated or not? Brook tells Chase that exaggeration is sort of Tracy’s thing, and suggests they find her a seat.

Dante asks if Michael has jitters, but Michael says, actually, no. How about Dante? Can he handle the rigorous best man duties? Dante says, I’m the best, man. Michael’s a great guy and he’s going to be a great husband. He’s been through hell multiple times, and has somebody who loves him as much as Michael loves them. Michael says, forever. Whether Willow’s with him or not, long short or somewhere in between, no matter what happens, this is the happiest day of his life. Dante says, the fact that Michael can see that and knows that is the greatest gift, and they bro hug.

Carly tells Willow, the world is full of beautiful things, and the truth is, none of them knows when their time is up. In her opinion, the greatest tragedy is throwing away what they have today worrying about what’s going to happen tomorrow. Willow is surrounded by her family and friends. She’s going to marry the man she loves. Willow says, loves with all her heart. It took her a while to know it, but Michael is the one. Carly asks if she knows how rare that is. Some people go their entire lives and they never experience that. She knows Willow appreciates every minute she spends with Michael and the kids, but today is the only day we get. Shouldn’t we make it the best one?

Nina says, Ava told her to call the SEC. Ava handed her the phone, and almost dared her to do it. Ava says she was playing devil’s advocate. She was trying to show Nina how way over the top the idea was. It was reverse psychology. She was trying to talk Nina out of doing it, not encouraging her. Nina says, well that backfired. Carly has yet to face a single consequence for what she did. Had she told Willow about her birth mother – Nina – then Willow wouldn’t be on death’s door right now. She could have gotten that bone marrow transplant months ago, and she’d be thriving instead of withering away. Ava says she has to stop Nina right here. Now she’s skating dangerously close to alternative facts. Nina says, tell her one untrue thing about what she said, and Ava says, it’s true Carly was wrong, and should have told Willow that Nina was her birth mother, but that’s not the reason Willow is sick. Nina says, she delayed her treatment, and Ava says, because of the baby, not because of Carly. Nina says, had Willow known… and Ava says, no one knew. Nina is forgetting the fact that Willow didn’t tell anybody about her cancer. Nina says, Ava isn’t blaming Willow now, is she? and Ava says, of course (🍷) not. She’s simply saying, no one had all the information, not even Carly. Nina says, it doesn’t matter. Carly and Drew broke the law, and is it so inconceivable that Carly should pay for her crime? Ava says, that’s just it. If Nina sends Carly to prison, it’s not Carly who pays; it’s Nina.

Olivia tells Ned, that’s it for the prep. Now she can just play hostess to the guests until the ceremony begins. Donna and Avery cut through and go outside, and she says, aren’t they adorable… as they cut a path of total destruction through the house. Ned says, she blows him away, and she says, tell her more. He says, pulling a wedding together in a couple of days, and Olivia tells him, he says wedding; Tracy says picnic. He says, don’t listen to her, when Josslyn asks if they’ve seen Donna and Avery. Olivia says, that-a way, and Josslyn goes outside. Olivia says she’s just so happy that she can do something for Michael and Willow after everything they’ve been through… and everything they’re still going through. She also had a lot of help. Maxie comes in, and asks if they’ve seen Willow.

Willow says, Carly is amazing at putting things into perspective. No more thinking about tomorrow or next week. She lives in the moment. She thanks Carly, but Carly says, thank you. She’s so grateful that Michael found her, and they found love. She prays it lasts for the next 60 years, but if God forbid it doesn’t, it doesn’t take away from the joy they’ve given each other for the past two years. Or the love she’s given Wiley and Amelia. Willow says, but doesn’t some part of Carly wish Michael had never met her, so he could be spared the heartbreak? Carly says, no. it would hurt to see her son in pain, but it would hurt even more if he’d never been in love. She’s seen his face light up when Willow walks in the room, or sees Willow with Wiley, or holding Amelia. Willow has given her son so much. She wouldn’t wish any of that away. She just wishes they had more of it. Willow says, so does she, but they’re not thinking about that. Today they bask in the joy and the love and the light. Carly asks if it’s dress time, and they get up. She says she loves Willow so much, and Willow says she loves Carly too, and they hug.

Nina tells Ava, of course (🍷) it’s her that pays; it’s always her. Ava says, that’s not what she meant, and Nina says, Carly has come between her and Willow over and over again. She’s made sure at every step, challenge, and crisis, she’s the one Willow turns to for support, not Nina. Today for example. It’s her daughter’s wedding day, and who gets to play mother of the bride? Not her – Carly. She’s not even invited to the wedding. Ava says she doesn’t need convincing that Carly is a piece of work, but she needs Nina to acknowledge what’s really going on here. Why did Nina sic the SEC on Carly? Nina asks what she means, and Ava says, just answer the question. Nina says, because Carly and Drew violated… Ava says, come on. Nina doesn’t give a damn about the Securities and Exchange Commission. She doesn’t care about laws, or statutes, or shareholders. Just admit it. She wanted revenge.

Carly wheels Willow in, and she looks really pretty, but what the hell is with that veil? It looks like they just stuck some netting on her head. It’s awful. Was that the responsibility of the wardrobe mistress who recently retired? Maxie says, Willow is the most beautiful bride she’s ever seen except for that janky veil, and Dante says, she speaks the truth. Sam says, they’ll see Willow in there, and goes in with Dante. Wiley runs over to Willow, and she asks if he’s ready to be the best ring bearer ever. He tells her that she looks pretty, and she thanks him. She says she’s sure his daddy is devastatingly handsome, but no one is more handsome than him.

Sam asks how Michael is feeling, and he says, good; he’s ready. He thanks her again for officiating, and she says, of course (🍷). Jason would be really happy for him. He says he’s been thinking about Jason a lot today, and she says, so has she, and about him and Willow of course (🍷). Willow looks so soft and sweet on the outside, and of course (🍷) she is, but Sam doesn’t think people realize how strong she is, and how much she’s been through. Just like Michael. He’s kind and easy-going, but she doesn’t think people realize he has a core of steel. She’s so glad he and Willow were able to recognize that in each other, and she’s honored to be leading them in their vows tonight. He says he loves her, and she says, back atcha, and goes to prepare.

Maxie asks everyone to take their seats. They’re about to begin. Dante says, showtime, and in the foyer, Carly asks if Willow is ready to begin the rest of her life. Willow says, so ready.

Nina says, Ava is way wrong. She’s not doing it for revenge. That’s more Carly’s M.O. Ava says, so Nina doesn’t want to wipe that sanctimonious smile off Carly’s face – Nina says, absolutely – after everything she did to Nina. Engineering it so Willow would go to her for love and support, even though Nina found her a bone marrow donor. Nina says, exactly, and Ava says, Nina is trying to pretend that’s not the reason she turned Carly in to the SEC, and she needs Nina to see that it is. Nina says, because Ava thinks what she’s doing is wrong, but Ava says she’s not going to judge Nina. If she wants revenge, go for it; get her revenge. She’s just saying it better be worth it to Nina. Because if this comes out, it’s the end of her and Sonny.

Canon in D Major (otherwise known as the main theme from Ordinary People) begins to play. Wiley comes in, carrying the rings on a pillow, and the flower girls follow, tossing their petals. Josslyn comes next, and Here Comes the Bride plays. Carly walks Willow down the aisle and hands her off to Michael. He tells her that she’s breathtaking, and she says, so is he. Sam thanks family and friends for joining them in this celebration of Michael and Willow. When they asked her to officiate the wedding, she was kind of surprised because A, she’s never done this before, and B, there’s probably a reason for that. But when she sat down and thought about it, it actually made a lot of sense. She’s known Michael since he was just a kid, and they’ve been through a lot of life together. Watching him grow into the man he is today has been one of the greatest privileges of her life. And she and Willow have had some shared experiences, which she won’t get into tonight, but it’s given her insight into the kind of person Willow is; strong, resilient, beautiful, and so, so brave. All of the traits Michael and Willow have in common will only serve them as they embark on their life together. She loves them both so very much. She tells Josslyn that she’s up, and Josslyn reads a passage from Romeo and Juliet that begins, love is not love which alters when it alteration finds. When she concludes, Sam says, that was beautiful. Now Ned will be performing a song that the bride and groom have chosen. Ned begins to play the guitar. But we never hear him sing. Rusty pipes?

Nina says, Sonny’s not going to find out, but even if he did, he’d understand, but Ava says, no, he wouldn’t. Nina says, yes, he would. No one more than Sonny has seen the way Carly’s treated her; the cruelty, the utter disrespect. What she and Sonny have is the real deal. If it wasn’t, Sonny wouldn’t have sacrificed everything for her. Ava says, that’s just it. Sonny sacrificed everything, and he kept choosing Nina over them time and time again, and at great cost. Ava has learned the hard way that Sonny and Carly have their own history, and part of that history is a blind and stubborn and even toxic loyalty. She’s not talking about romance. The two of them could be at each other’s throats, but if a threat comes for one of them, the other will step in and defend them. So if the SEC goes after Carly, and Sonny finds out Nina was behind it, she doesn’t see him backing Nina.

Sam says, Michael and Willow have made things easy on her today, and have requested a traditional ceremony. So here we go. Michael says he knows they asked for this, but as he’s standing here looking at Willow, he has to say how thankful he is for her friendship, her courage, her love, her compassion, her support. And most important, how she’s been such an amazing mother to Wiley. The fact that he gets to call her his wife… Willow says, wait, they’re getting married? and everyone laughs. He says he forgot to thank her for her sense of humor. He couldn’t love her more if he tried, but he’s going to try every single day for the rest of their lives. She says, wow. She can’t let him have his say and not get hers. It’s ironic that he would be up here thanking her, when she was a person who was alone for most of her life. Then came him. At first, he was her friend, and such a good one; supportive, and such a great advice giver. He never judged. As everyone here knows, the first time they did this, it was a legal maneuver, but then this crazy thing happened. As each day passed, she realized how happy she was to be married to him, and it quickly became something she wanted to last. It’s like her whole frame of reference shifted. What she’d refused to see before was suddenly standing in front of her. All of that time, she’d been falling in love with him, and since then, that love has only grown. She’s fulfilled in ways she never thought possible because of him, and their kids, and this amazing family of his. He says, ours, and she says she’s so incredibly lucky.

Sam asks if they’re good to move on to the vows now, and Michael says, they’re ready. She asks if Michael takes Willow to be his wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health… Willow says she’s really putting him through the paces on that one, and Sam says, until death do they part. Will he love and honor her for all the days of his life? He says he will and he does to all of it. She asks if Willow takes Michael as her husband, ditto, ditto, ditto, and Willow says she will. Sam calls to Wiley who brings up the rings.

Nina says, it’s possible that no one will find out, and Ava agrees, it’s possible. Nina says, but Ava doesn’t think it’s likely, and Ava says, she thinks it’s true what they say; secrets have a way of coming out, no matter how hard they try to bury them. Nina says, it’s not like she made up the insider trading; it happened. Anyone could have reported it. Ava says, it wasn’t anyone; it was Nina. She turned in the mother of Sonny’s children to the authorities. Nina looks miserable, and says she turned in Wiley and Amelia’s grandmother to the authorities. She sits down, and says, what will happen if Willow finds out? She’s depended on Carly for so much through all of this. Willow will never forgive her, will she?

Michael says he gives Willow this ring as a sign of their love for and commitment to each other. He promises to support her and care for her, and stand alongside her for all their days. He puts the ring on her finger, and she says and does the same to him. Sam tells everyone that she doesn’t think there’s anything left to say, except by the power vested in her and the state of New York, she now pronounces them husband and wife. Michael says he’ll take it from here, and kisses Willow.  Mendelssohn’s Wedding March plays, and everyone cheers. Michael picks up Wiley, and Willow says she’s never seen a more professional ring bearer. Has he? Michael says he hasn’t. It may be Wiley’s calling. Wiley asks what a calling is, and Michael says, a purpose. Wiley says, so mommy is his? and Michael says, yes, she is. The doorbell rings, and Brook says, that’s weird. Who’d be showing up now? Tracy says, oh please. She’ll get it. Brook says, don’t tell her that Tracy is bored already, and Tracy says, who, me?

Nina says, maybe nothing will come of it. It was an anonymous tip to a bunch of bureaucrats. Ava says bureaucrats who live for this kind of stuff, and Nina says, it could be months or years before they open an investigation, assuming they get that far. Ava says she doesn’t know much about this stuff, but she doubts the government takes kindly to citizens messing with the markets. If she had to guess, she guesses it won’t be long before the SEC is knocking on Carly’s door.

Olivia says, okay, everybody to the solarium for the reception. As I recall, the solarium is not all that big, but maybe it just sounded good and they hope we don’t remember. As the guests are moving out, Tracy brings two guys into the living room. Sonny asks, who’s this? and Tracy says she tried to put them off, but they insisted. They’re from the SEC. Michael says, if this is about ELQ, it’s going to have to wait, and Sonny says, this is his son’s wedding. One of the men says, this does concern ELQ,  but they’re not looking for Michael. Tracy asks if they can say who they are looking for, and he says, Drew Cain and Carly Spencer.

Um… I don’t think that’s how any of this works. I don’t think their first step is to just show up, and certainly not two seconds after they got an anonymous tip.

Tomorrow, Jordan asks why this is their only option; Curtis tells Drew, this is no time for anyone’s personal vendetta; Willow asks if they’ll bring charges against Michael too; Sonny needs a favor; and Brick says he’s got Dex now.

🤞 Fingers Crossed…

God knows they gave Kelly Thiebaud enough to do before she left. She’s deserving for that alone. I sometimes think Nick Chavez overacts, but he is playing a Cassadine, and those characters tend to do that. He also had the thankless job of taking over for a well-established and loved character, and rose to the occasion brilliantly. So here’s hoping for both of them.

🎥 Anna’s Alter Ego…

Another busy woman. She’s probably glad she has scenes in a hospital bed for a while.

🍊 The Bitch Is Back…

Already it starts. I’m so not a fan of Tamra’s. Not just because she’s a shrew of the first magnitude, but it was embarrassing for real Christians everywhere when she claimed to be one, going so far as to be baptized, and then acted like the same she-devil she’s always been. No surprise she jumped right back into it.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhoc-shannon-and-tamra-tease-season-17-vickis-return

👠 He Feels the Hate…

Yeah, for someone who claims to be all about love and family, Teresa misses the mark by lightyears. I think Melissa and Joe #2 just finally gave up after the slap in the face of deliberately leaving them out of the wedding. At the very least, Joe should have walked her down the aisle.

https://people.com/tv/andy-cohen-nearly-walked-off-rhonj-reunion-over-teresa-giudice-melissa-gorga-hate/

🍸 And They’re Up…

Because I can’t help but look. The worst thing of all for me has been watching Raquel act like she’s Ariana’s friend. Women very much not supporting women.

https://screenrant.com/vanderpump-rules-worst-scandoval-theory-open-secret/

From across the pond. The entire world is watching. I hate to say it, but this is probably the best thing that could have happened to the show ratings-wise.

https://graziadaily.co.uk/celebrity/news/vanderpump-rules-heres-the-latest-update-on-scandoval/

For those who enjoy the aftermath of a podcast. Not sure what they expected from something called Howie Mandell Does Stuff. Although the problem seemed to be that he didn’t do stuff.

https://www.podplay.com/podcasts/behind-the-velvet-rope-322969/episodes/the-fallout-from-sandovals-howie-mandel-chat-raquels-wellness-arianas-new-life-explosive-vpr-reunion-spoilers-140035975

This guy is really trying to steal Jax’s Worst Human Being in the World title. On top of his many transgressions, Sandoval keeps calling Lisa dude. Seriously, WTF?

👑 God Save the Queen King…

Billions of people got up before the crack of dawn to watch him get married to Diana, and we saw how that turned out. But if you can’t get your fill of the royals, here you go.

https://www.etonline.com/how-to-watch-king-charles-coronation-live-in-the-us-date-time-events-attendees-and-more-202989

🏆 Love and Talk In the Afternoon…

The who, what, and where for this year’s Daytime Emmys.

https://ew.com/awards/emmys/2023-daytime-emmy-nominations/

💻 Entering the Chat…

Roll with me tomorrow in a free-for-all of soap, tea, quotes, and a tune applicable to the season. Until then, stay safe, stay never blindly following the crowd, and stay not throwing away what you have today worrying about what’s going to happen tomorrow.

April 21, 2023 – Drew Finds a Map, Messy Already, VanderShame, Craving Awful, One-Night Accountability, More Dead, Tiny Pet (!), When In Rome VIII Quotes & Wonderful

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Brook lets Cody into the nook. He’s holding a bowl, and says he’s out of cereal. Mama Q said he could just… but she says, don’t bother. She knows why he’s really here. He wants to know if he’s going to get fired.

At Charlie’s, Gladys tells Sasha not to waste a single second feeling sorry for a lying grifter like Cody Bell. Sasha says, Cody’s always been very nice to her. She’s having a hard time seeing him the way Gladys does. Gladys says, that’s because Sasha is a sweet child. Gladys has seen his type before. When she used to go to Atlantic City, sharpies like Cody were a dime a dozen. They flex their muscles and flash their pearly whites, and saunter off before you even realize they’ve made off with your wallet. Sasha says, Gladys paints quite a vivid picture. She can’t wait for Gladys’s memoirs. Gladys says, her point is that you can’t trust someone like Cody. So if he comes around, spouting nonsense… Sasha asks, what kind of nonsense? and Gladys says, who knows? He’d say anything to stay in Sasha’s good graces… and close to her money.

At the hospital, TJ asks if Molly is sure she doesn’t want him to stay. He can get Dr. Michaels to cover for him. She says she’s sure. It’s just a routine follow-up. Dr. Navarro will tell them that they have to keep trying. He tells her, always listen to your doctor’s advice. Can she believe it? This time next year, they may have a baby Lansing-Ashford. She says, or is it a baby Ashford-Lansing? and he says, negotiations set to resume later tonight. They kiss.

Drew brings Curtis to a storage unit containing a bunch of boxes, and Curtis says, this is Kim Nero’s stuff? Drew says, when she moved to Manhattan, Kim kept some of his stuff in case he made it home. He sees a sports cap, and says, this is Oscar’s Browns hat. The only thing he loved more than his music was his favorite football team. He wore this all the time. Kim said this was going to be hard seeing his boy’s things. Losing a child is hard enough, but losing one right after you find out you’re a father… Curtis says, is absolutely his worst nightmare.

Laura sees Alexis at the hospital, and Alexis says she’s in a bit of a fog today. Laura says, the last few days have been pretty surreal. She just came from visiting with Anna; she’s recuperating very nicely. Alexis says, that’s great news. Any word about Spencer and Trina?

Dressed in mismatched sweats and an old cardigan, Trina is tossed into Spencer’s stateroom, and he asks what she’s doing here. What is she wearing? Trina says, stuff from the lost and found. The guard said she could take her pick, but it’s not her personal style or choice. He laughs, and she says, it’s definitely warmer than her ballgown. He says he can’t believe they left her with him. He thought Uncle Victor wanted to keep them separated. She says, maybe that was his original plan, but with all this commotion on deck, she even overheard one of the guards saying they need all hands. He says, they’re consolidating areas to guard. They might be bringing Dr. Obrecht in here next. Trina says she’s scared.

Dex asks Sonny if the Pikeman shipment conflicts with his son’s wedding, but Sonny says he’s not letting anything interfere with Michael and Willow’s big day. Dante knocks at the penthouse door, and asks if he’s interrupting. Sonny says, they were just finishing up some business, and hands Dex a manila envelope. He says, deliver this, and take the rest of the day off. He leaves, and Sonny says he didn’t expect Dante to come by. What’s up? Dante says he wanted to know if Sonny wanted to get lunch with him later, and Sonny asks, why today? Dante says, it’s as good a day as any other. Why? Does Sonny have plans? Sonny says, yeah. He’s going to Dante’s brother’s wedding. Dante says, no, he’s not.

Spencer says, whatever his uncle has planned next, he’d never let Victor hurt Trina. She knows that, right? She says she knows Spencer would do everything he can to stop Victor; he proved that on deck. But what if there’s a reason Spencer can’t help her? What if he hurts both of them? He says, his Uncle Victor is out of his mind right now. He’s drunk on power. He’s emboldened by his own savior complex, but Spencer does believe there’s still a shred of humanity left inside of him. She says she knows he doesn’t want to hear this right now, but they can’t count on that. Right now the only thing they have to rely on is each other. He swears to her, as long as they have each other, there’s nothing they can’t face, and they hug.

Drew says, they’re going to find Trina, and Curtis says he wants to believe Drew, but the longer it’s taking… He just found out Trina might be his daughter. He can’t lose her. Drew says, he’s not going to. They’re going to have lots more time together. Curtis says, his bad, bringing up his stuff in the middle of Oscar’s things. He knows it can’t be easy for Drew to be here, but Drew says he thinks it’s worth it. The key to finding Trina might be in one of these boxes. He gave Oscar some of his things in the hope it might tell Oscar his story. It’s a long shot, but maybe they’ll come across something from his days as a SEAL. Anything that tells them about Project Demeter. He digs through a box, and asks Curtis what he’s got. Curtis says, military stuff. He’s got bedtime stories… music theories… Greek mythology… Drew takes the book, and says he used to tell Oscar how much he loved these stories. Curtis says, it looks like that one’s pretty well thumbed through. He takes out a paper, and Drew says, it’s a map.

Alexis tells Laura that Victor hasn’t included her or her daughters in any of his plans. She’s never been privy to the inner workings of the Cassadines; she’s Cassadine adjacent. Laura says, that’s probably why Alexis is sane. Does she have any childhood memories of Victor? Alexis says, there was always tension between her father and Victor. Her father was a monster – he was into power and greed – and Victor fancied himself having loftier goals. Laura wonders what those goals were.

Dr. Navarro goes in to see Molly, who’s wearing a hospital gown. Molly says she’s a little confused. She thought she was just getting the results of her ultrasound. Dr. Navarro says, after reviewing Molly’s ultrasound, she’d like to get some more thorough testing done. Molly asks, why? What did she see? The doctor says, nothing to be overly concerned about at this stage. Molly has been experiencing irregularity and pain with her monthly cycle. She’d like to get to the bottom of what’s causing it. Molly asks if she wants to do more testing now, and the doctor says, yes, and this time, she’d like to do a biopsy.

Cody asks Brook, why would he be fired?… Okay. He has been a little worried about what they’re thinking since the incident. Brook says, he means the incident where he was arrested, charged, and arraigned, and he says, that’s the one. She takes the bowl out of his hand, puts it on the counter, and says, he should be thanking her. He says, for the cereal? but she says, no, for pleading his case. Her dad wanted to fire him. It wasn’t so easy changing his mind. He’s been in a bad mood with all this ELQ stuff. Cody asks what Mama Q thinks, and Brook says, he’d have to ask her, but if he wants to know Brook’s opinion, she thinks Gladys Corbin is a walking disaster. She’s a mess. She’s always misplacing important things. She wouldn’t be surprised if Gladys left that bracelet lying around backstage at the Nurses Ball. He says he’s glad someone’s on his side, but she says, not quite. How did that bracelet end up in his pocket?

Sam goes into Charlie’s carrying a garment bag. Seeing Gladys, she flashes back to Cody saying, Gladys set him up because he told her that he was going to tell Sasha she’s not to be trusted. Kristina tells Sam, if looks could kill, as Gladys tells Sasha, some people just can’t be trusted. Cody is one of those types, and trying to take advantage of Sasha’s good nature. Sam asks if Kristina ever wished she could know someone’s secrets with a single glance, and Kristina says, it’s probably better for everyone in this town that they can’t. She asks if that’s her dress for the wedding, and Sam hesitates giving it to her, saying, this is her dress for the day. Kristina asks when she’s ever kept anything of Sam’s, and Sam says, her brown leather jacket, those really cool biker boots that have the zipper on the side, and her leather pants.

Sasha says she appreciates Gladys looking out for her, but Cody has had a really rough go in life. Gladys says, so has Sasha, which is why she’s been thinking they could both use a vacation. Sasha says, that’s an abrupt change of topics. What prompted that? Gladys says she thinks they could use a little getaway, and Sash asks if there’s another reason Gladys needs to leave town.

Cody tells Brook, no one was more shocked than him when that bracelet showed up in his tux jacket pocket, which at the time he wasn’t even wearing. He was on stage, taking his clothes off for a worthy cause. Brook asks if he’s been stealing from her family, and he says, no. She says she had to ask. He’s been given free reign in this house. Should she be checking her jewelry case? He says, no offense, but her stuff isn’t exactly his style. No, he’s not a thief; he was framed. He left the tux jacket in the dressing room. That had to be when someone planted it in there. Brook says, let’s say she believes him. Where’s his proof?

Dante says, the way things are with Sonny and Michael, Sonny crashing the wedding is just going to fan the flames. Don’t do that. Sonny says, that’s not what he’s doing. Michael invited him. He’s going to be celebrating with the family tonight. Dante says, that’s great. He knows how much not being there was probably eating Sonny up. He and Nina are making some progress. Sonny says, Nina’s not invited.

Sam says she’s happy the wedding was moved up, and Kristina says, with what Michael and Willow are going through, they deserve one perfect day. Is it giving Sam and Dante any ideas? Sam says she and Dante are good with the way things are right now, and suggests they look at Kristina’s life for a change. Dex walks in, and Kristina says, perfect timing. She needs back-up here. He says he’s actually here for Sonny, and Sam guesses that’s her cue, and steps away. He gives Kristina the envelope, and says, Sonny wanted him to give her this. She takes out some paperwork, and says she can’t believe her dad did this.

Gladys asks why she would need to get out of town, and Sasha says, next month is the two-year anniversary of when she got shot. Gladys says, after Brando refused Cyrus Renault’s order to shoot her. If she hadn’t gotten involved with those shady people, her son wouldn’t have been in that position. She’ll always regret that. Sasha says, but look at how far she’s come. She should be really proud of herself. Some memories are hard to face. She knows that better than anyone. She can’t get away right now, but Gladys should book a trip for herself. Use her credit card. Gladys says, that’s very generous, but Sasha’s paying her a salary. She can pay. Sasha says, then how about if she pays for any upgrades (I would be so upgraded if someone told me that)? and Gladys says, the resort she’s been looking at does have an incredible spa package. Sasha says, then consider herself all pampered. She tells Gladys that she’s got to run, and leaves. Sam looks at Gladys from across the room.

Alexis says she has to tell Laura, this is the first time she wishes she were in the inner circle of the Cassadines. Then she could help. Laura says she knows Alexis is doing as much as she can, and Alexis says, what about Nikolas? Has Laura heard from him? Laura says, the international news picked up this story, so even if Nikolas left the country, he would still be aware of what’s happening here. Alexis says, and still he hasn’t been in touch, and Laura says, no. Nobody’s heard a word from him. It’s fine for him to walk away from her, but from his two sons? For him to be missing in action, knowing how much danger Spencer and Ace are in? Alexis says, what if he doesn’t have a choice?

Curtis asks if this is Oscar’s handwriting on the map, but Drew says, no, it’s his. Curtis says, good. Is this a travel map, or something more? Drew says he doesn’t remember this map at all, or why it’s hidden in this book. So if he had to guess, he’d guess something more. Curtis holds it up, and says, there’s a mark in the corner, and Drew says, that’s the sign for Virgo. Curtis takes a canteen out of the box, and it has the same symbol. He says, first the canteen, then the map. He never realized Drew was so into astrology. Drew says he’s not. He was born in September. Curtis says, on the canteen, it makes sense; it’s Drew’s. But why would it be embossed on a map? Drew says, maybe there’s something else here that can help them, and flips through the book. He says, here you go. The versions of mythology differ, but the most popular cites that Virgo has ties to Demeter, the goddess of fertility and agriculture. Curtis says, Demeter, as in Project Demeter, and Drew says, the assignment Victor was so keen on knowing everything about. This is the link.

Spencer holds Trina, and says he bets she wishes she never followed him on this doomed ghost ship. She says she’s afraid for their lives, and she wishes his baby brother wasn’t at risk. They sit on the bed, and she says she’s glad she’s with him. Any doubts about being with him are gone. He says, that’s a big mistake, Miss Robinson. The man you’re crushing on is a non-reprobate. He’s a convicted felon. She says, oh no, and he says, he’s a spendthrift, an entitled bourgeois, hot tempered, good-for-nothing. She says, that sounds about right… except for one detail. He’s not the man she’s crushing on. He’s so much more than that.

Drew tells Curtis, there’s nothing else in here marked with the symbol for Virgo, but that’s not a coincidence. Virgo, Project Demeter, and a map. Maybe they should take this to the WSB. Curtis says, no. He knows what to do.

Alexis wonders if Nikolas could be one of Victor’s captives, but Laura doesn’t think so. Trina didn’t mention seeing him on the Haunted Star. And if she’s being honest, she hates to admit this, but she thinks her son fled town to avoid his legal problems. Alexis says, Laura knows how much she loves her nephew, and she also knows he’s made a lot of mistakes, but there’s still time for him to do the right thing. Laura says she hopes Alexis is right, but even so, she’s determined to find her grandsons, and bring them home. She wipes some tears away, when TJ comes by, and tells them, his mom is completely focused on finding the Haunted Star. Laura says she knows. He doesn’t have to convince her how hard his mother works. Port Charles is very lucky to have her. Alexis says, Victor is not going to get away with this, and Laura says, no, he is not. She gets up, and says she has some calls she needs to make. Let her know if they hear anything. She leaves, and I notice Alexis’s white sweater looks like a robe. For a moment, I get confused, wondering if I missed something and she’s a patient. She tells TJ that Laura is justifiably worried, and he says he has the feeling Laura isn’t the only one.

Dr. Navarro says, all the symptoms Molly is having, combined what she saw in Molly’s ultrasound, could indicate endometriosis, and Molly says she’s heard of it, but what exactly is it? The doctor says, a condition in which the endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus. Often it leads to cramping, heavy menstrual flow, and pain during intercourse. Molly asks if it’s rare, but the doctor says, actually, it affects 10% of all women. Molly says, and a biopsy would confirm if she has it, and Dr. Navarro says, it’s more effective than imaging. She’ll scrape off a few cells, send them to the lab, and a technician will look at them under a microscope. Don’t worry. It’s a quick procedure with relatively little discomfort. But they don’t have to do it today if she needs a little time to think about it. Molly says, let’s just get it over with. She needs to know what’s happening in her body. And not just for her sake.

Dante asks how Nina is taking it, and Sonny says, she wanted him to go to the wedding, even though she’s not invited. Dante says, that’s gracious of her, and Sonny says, Nina’s gracious, but he knows it hurts her not to be at her daughter’s wedding. He also believes Michael isn’t the one who wants him there; it’s Willow’s idea.

Kristina spreads the papers out on the bar, and tells Dex that her dad knows she’s been wanting something more for her life, and he found a way to get it to her.

Sam approaches Gladys’s table, and on the phone, Gladys says, you’re right. Unlimited drinks by the beach is important. What’s the differenced in price… You know what? It doesn’t matter. They sold her, and she’ll call them back. Sam says, taking a trip? and Gladys says, sure am. Sam says, it sounds pretty grand, and Gladys says, they all spend on what matters to them. Apparently what matters to Sam is Cody Bell. Did she hear right that Sam bailed him out?

Cody tells Brook, if he had any kind of proof, he could get the charges dropped. All he has is his word, which he knows doesn’t get him very far in this town. Brook says she knows what it’s like not to be trusted. For everyone to assume you have some ulterior motive. But for what it’s worth (🍷), she doesn’t think he’d steal anything. He asks if Sasha thinks so, but Brook says she doesn’t know. Gladys Corbin is her mother-in-law, and they are really close. She’s sure Sasha’s upset. He says he hates this. She’s the last person in the world he wants to hurt. Brook tells him, say he was right, and he was framed. Does he have any idea who set him up? Sasha walks in.

Sam sits with Gladys, and says, yes, she posted Cody’s bail. Gladys asks, why? They had him dead to rights. They found the missing bracelet in his pocket. Sam says, so she heard, and Gladys says, then why bail him out? Sam says, because she’s not sure he did it.

Brook asks if Sasha brought her all the Deception goodies, and Sasha says, yeah, putting a train case on the counter. Brook takes the case, and says she’s getting out of here, and Cody says he really hopes Sasha doesn’t think he did this. Sasha says she doesn’t know what to believe, and he says he didn’t steal anything, especially some bracelet Gladys was wearing. He wouldn’t do that to Sasha; she’s his friend. She says, is she? Or is he just using her? He says, using her for what? and she says, you tell me. He says he’s not going to deny he’s made some mistakes; the way he treated Britt, for one. Which Sasha knows, since he trusted her enough to tell her. She saw how much he regrets what happened with Britt. He’s grown a lot this year. She says she thought he did, and he says, she doesn’t now? She tells him that she’s not sure. Gladys made some good points. He tells her not to listen to anything that woman says, and Sasha asks why she shouldn’t. He says, because she’s the one who set him up.

Kristina tells Dex, these are the properties that can be used as homes for transitional youth. The other day when she went to see her dad, she told him that she was thinking of opening up a restaurant, and he pointed out that it would be so time consuming, it would interfere with her job here and her volunteer time at the youth center. He’s right, but he also knows she’s been searching for a greater sense of purpose and responsibility. Dex looks at a card, and reads, Corinthos-Davis House. Her dad’s opening a charity in her name? She says, he even highlighted the ones that have industrial kitchens. He found a way for her to combine all her interests in one place. Dex says, it’s a very thoughtful gift, and she says, it doesn’t surprise her. Her dad gets her. He sees what’s in her heart, and he protects his own. She just wishes everyone could see the Sonny Corinthos that she does. Dex looks guilty, as he should.

Dante asks if it really matters who invited Sonny, and Sonny says, a little bit, but it’s a good first step. He knows it matters to Nina. Dante says, this could be the last time she gets to celebrate anything with her daughter, and Sonny says, the grandchildren will be at the wedding. She misses seeing Wiley and Amelia. Dante says, it’s going to get tougher the sicker Willow gets too, and Sonny says, it’s really hard for Nina to see her suffer. Dante says, they’re all praying for Willow’s recovery, but whether it’s Michael and Willow raising their kids together, or God forbid Michael doing it on his own, that doesn’t mean Nina is going to be accepted. What is that going to do to Sonny and Nina’s relationship, if he’s back in and she’s left out?

We see Alexis has a pamphlet on ALS, and she tells TJ, it seems they’re all on edge. He sees the pamphlet, and asks if it’s something she wants to talk about. She says, it’s not for her, it’s for a friend, and puts the pamphlet in her bag. He says he’s sorry about her friend, and she says, from what she understands, the progression is brutal. He says, no two patients are the same, but ALS is a rare and devastating neurological disease with no cure. She says, what she’d like to know is, is there any hope?

Curtis and Drew find Laura at the hospital, and Drew says, they may have found something to lead them to the Haunted Star. She asks what it is, and Curtis says, they think it has something to do with Drew’s past… and Victor’s future.

Spencer says, Trina means a lot to him; more than she’ll ever know. He just wishes they’d had this conversation anywhere else. She says, he challenges her, and with him, she wants to experience everything she never has. He says, everything? and she says, everything. They can start new experiences now. He says, this is not how he pictured their first time. He just doesn’t want her to regret it. She says, losing her virginity? and he says, it’s a big deal for her, and it should be special. She says, where she does it and when isn’t what makes it special. What makes it special is that it’s him and her. She kisses him, and says, this could be their only chance to be this close again. They don’t know what tomorrow will bring. They kiss, but I keep thinking, what if someone walks in?

Drew, who always sounds like he’s teaching a class, tells Laura that they were going through some of his old things. They found this book of mythology, and found out that Virgo has ties to Demeter, as in Operation Demeter. Laura says, which is what? and Drew says, which is a black op he was involved in when he was a Navy SEAL, but he doesn’t remember anything about it at all. But in the book of mythology, there was a map hidden in there, and you can see this symbol. He shows her the map, and says, this map is embossed with the symbol of Virgo. Curtis says, obviously, there’s something of value to be found in one of those circled locations, and Laura says, or at each of them. What kind of mysterious treasure could this be?

TJ says, it depends on how Alexis defines hope. He’s sure the neurologist he’s shadowing would be happy to answer questions for her and her friend. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and on the forefront of research on diseases like ALS. Alexis thanks him, and the reception nurse tells him that Dr. Navarro is finishing up with Miss Lansing-Davis. Alexis says, Molly’s seeing Dr. Navarro? Isn’t she an OB? TJ nods.

Dr. Navarro says, she sent Molly’s cells to the lab. They should have the results in a few days. Molly says, it sounds like the doctor thinks it’s just a formality though, and Dr. Navarro says she wants to hold off on an official diagnosis until she sees the results. Molly says, unofficially? and the doctor says, based on Molly’s symptoms, her examination, and the imaging, it’s highly likely Molly does have endometriosis. In less severe cases, it can be treated with hormone therapy and pain management. Molly says, and in more severe cases? and the doctor says, commonly a laparoscopy or laparotomy. Molly says, surgery? but Dr. Navarro tells her not to worry about that right now. They’ll cross that bridge if they come to it. Let’s just take this one step at a time. Molly says she has one more question. How will this diagnosis affect her plans to have a baby with TJ?

Dex says, it’s great that Kristina’s father is doing this for her, and Kristina says, she’s very lucky. Her mom and her sisters are amazing, and love and accept her completely, but no one gets her like her dad. He’s always been her biggest champion. She doesn’t know what she’d do without him. Another guilty look on Dex’s face. Good.

Gladys asks what more proof Sam needs. Cody was caught red-handed. He’s a low-class crook, spinning lies and tall tales, and using the fact that Sasha sees the good in everyone to cozy up to her vulnerable daughter-in-law just when she lost her husband. Sam says, it’s in the hands of the authorities now, but the bracelet wasn’t even Sasha’s, so the real victim here is the jeweler. Gladys says, a crime is a crime, and Sam says, yes, it is, but why is Gladys taking it so personally?

Cody tells Sasha, he was dancing on stage with Magic Milo, and his tux was in the dressing room. That’s when Gladys planted the bracelet on him. Then she led the search backstage. Sasha says, she would never do such a thing, but Cody says, she would, and she did. He’s sorry. He really didn’t want to tell her this way, but Gladys framed him. Sasha asks why on earth she would do that.

Sonny says he’s been seeing a real growth in Nina and Willow’s relationship, and Dante says, that’s great. He’s hoping the same thing for Sonny and Michael. Sonny says, it’s all going to work out. Call him an optimist… Dante says he doesn’t think he can do that, and Sonny says, then call him a realist. He laughs and says, someday, when this is all over – and that includes Nina – they’re going to be a family again.

Outside somewhere on the phone, Dex says, the Pikeman shipment arrives tonight. He’ll call and let them know what he comes up with.

Sasha says, give her one good reason Gladys would frame Cody for stealing that bracelet, and he says he could give her several thousand. She says she’s sorry, but he says, no, he is, because he can’t tell her. He flashes back to telling Sam about informing Gladys that he was going to let Sasha know she wasn’t to be trusted. But he can’t tell Sam exactly why though, because he likes his kneecaps where they are. He says he’s telling Sasha the truth. Please believe him. Sasha says she’s supposed to believe him over her mother-in-law. The woman who held her when she was sobbing over the loss of her child, and stepped up to be her guardian when her husband died. Gladys has been there for her through some of the worst times of her life, and he expects Sasha to take his side over hers? He says, this is all his fault. He should have told her his suspicions weeks ago, but he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. She says, what suspicions? and he says, remember how he told her, with Gladys, you need to trust, but verify? He’s sorry; he was wrong. She can’t even trust Gladys. She says, no, the person she can no longer trust is him, and walks out. Brook comes back and asks if everything is okay, and Cody says, just great, picking up his empty cereal bowl and leaving.

Gladys tells Sam, she was wearing the bracelet. It would have been her responsibility to replace it. As a cop’s girlfriend, Sam should be more discerning. Supporting Cody is a mistake. Sam laughs, and asks if it would be a mistake for her, or for Gladys, and Gladys walks out.

Molly comes out of the elevator, and says, she didn’t expect to see Alexis here. When was she admitted as a patient? TJ asks how it went, and Alexis asks, what’s wrong?

Laura says, if they go by what Trina told them when she was able to call on the satellite phone – Drew says, the Haunted Star’s heading – it would be moving in this direction, right? She points to a spot on the map, and says, just to this one circled location on that very likely course. Curtis says, then they may know where the ship is headed, and Drew says, and stop Victor. Laura says, and get their loved ones back home.

Trina and Spencer get busy, and he asks if she’s okay. She says, what was that? and he asks if she heard that. She says she didn’t hear anything, and he gets up and looks out the window. He says, they’ve docked. They’ve reached land.

On Monday, Michael says he’s getting married today; Robert says he thinks he’s figured out how to find them; Valentin says his attorney will be handling that; and Tracy tells Felicia that she won’t rest until she proved  than man killed Luke.

👠 Reunion Rumbling…

Andy is starting to age like every President during their time in office.

More Louie weirdness.

🍸 You Know You Want It…

Why Howie Mandel indeed. Even Dorinda can’t make this nice.

Subplot.

Victory lap.

🤽🏾‍♂️ Pending Awfulness…

This is just sad. It’s kind of like the zombie apocalypse, but they turn into perpetual whiny teenagers.

💎 So Who Hasn’t…

What does she want, a medal?

⚰️ Latest Spin…

No surprise, more Walking Dead spin-offs keep on coming.

https://movieweb.com/another-new-walking-dead-spin-off-show-announced/

🐶 Tiny But Competitive…

Another precious nugget to gaze upon.

https://people.com/pets/demi-moore-submits-chihuahua-worlds-shortest-dog/

☄️ Quotes of the Week

The most virtuous are those who content themselves with being virtuous without seeking to appear so. – Plato

Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong. – Peter McIntyre

Aerodynamically, the bumble bee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumble bee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway. – Mary Kay Ash

Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?Mary Manin Morrissey

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead

Technological progress has merely provided us with more efficient means for going backwards. – Aldous Huxley

How do you use your rage? Is it your superpower or kryptonite? – Kathleen (Leslie Uggams), Nanny

The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life. Rarely do members of one family grow up under the same roof. – Richard David Bach

🏞 Don’t Fence Me In…

Join me on Monday really Tuesday for soap, getting off the Deck dock, and that trainwreck of a House I can’t stop watching and loathing. Until then, stay safe, stay looking after your patch of the earth, and stay always listening to your doctor’s advice.

April 20, 2023 – Victor’s Voyage Is Almost Over, Soap Shuffle, Happy Anniversary Twice, Scandoval Scraps, Confirmation, Fat Cat & Landscape

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

On the phone in the nook, Ned says, they have to deal with this right now. Brook walks in, and he says, they have to mitigate the damage as soon as possible. Call him back. Brook says, that sounded bad. What’s going on? He says, if they don’t do something soon, Valentin could destroy ELQ.

Carly looks at the flower girl basket, and flashes back to Ava telling her, time is running out. This might be the last chance for Nina and Willow. She knows Carly is capable of rising above; she did with Ava for Avery’s sake. Won’t she do it with Nina for Willow’s? The doorbell rings, and Carly opens the door to Nina, who asks, what’s she doing here? Where’s Ava? Carly says, she’s not here, and Nina breezes past her into the house. Nina asks where Ava is, and Carly says, she’s out. Nina asks how long she’ll be gone, but Carly doesn’t know. Hopefully, not too long. Is something wrong? Nina says, yeah, her daughter’s dying, and Carly says, they’re trying to support her as best they can. Nina says, of course (🍷) they all are; she shouldn’t have snapped. She really needs to talk to Ava. She asks again what Carly is doing here, and Carly says she was here when Avery had to leave, so she stayed to watch Avery. Nina says she’s here now, and promises not to leave until Ava gets home. She’ll watch Avery. Carly can go. Carly says she doesn’t think so.

Ava knocks at Portia’s office door, and says she just heard; Trina is missing? Portia says, Trina is on the Haunted Star, and Ava says, so it’s true. Victor kidnapped her too. Portia says, you would think that, but she chose to go on that boat. Her daughter is in danger, and this is all Spencer Cassadine’s fault.

Drew sees Curtis at the hospital, and Curtis thanks him for coming right away. They bro hug, and Drew says he just heard Trina is missing. Curtis says, it was just confirmed she’s on the Haunted Star, and Drew says, what the hell. Victor took her along with Spencer, the baby, and Dr. Obrecht. What’s the purpose in kidnapping all of them? Curtis says, Trina wasn’t kidnapped. Victor doesn’t even know she’s on board. He’s just not sure how long she can stay hidden from him and his men.

Victor says he’s so glad Trina could join them, and Trina tells Ambrose to get his hands off of her, shaking him loose. Spencer flies across the room, but Watkins intercepts him, drawing his gun. Trina tells Spencer that she’s okay. Don’t do anything to make them hurt him. Victor says, how touching. He suggests Spencer take her advice and settle down, or he’ll have them take Trina away. Let him officially welcome her on board. She really is a little slip of a thing. No wonder his man missed her when she slipped on board. Trina says she’s not a little slip of a thing, and Victor says, his apologies; poor choice of words. However, it’s too bad Spencer disobeyed orders, and told her where he was going. Trina says, Spencer told her nothing. She had a feeling something was bothering him, and she followed him herself. Victor says, how industrious of her. Has she enjoyed the cruise so far? Obrecht is brought in, and asks where Trina came from. Victor says, allow him to introduce la saboteur, the reason for their delay. The stowaway who’s been scurrying around the ship, causing all kinds of trouble for their engines. Obrecht says she wondered why they’d stopped, and Victor says, it was the sabotage, plus the missing walkie-talkie that made him think they’d had an uninvited guest on board. So he had his men call a fake drill. He figured she would assume Spencer’s cabin was unguarded and make her way there. And voila, here we are. Trina looks at Spencer, who mouths, it’s okay, and Victor says, she shouldn’t feel too badly about it. It’s a common mistake to equate initial success with ongoing effectiveness. One assumes if something worked once, it will go on working indefinitely. Trina’s advantage was surprise. Once she lost that… here we are. But she is clever, he’ll give her that. So perhaps she’ll help him decide what to do with her.

Nina asks Carly, why not leave? She’s here. She’ll watch Avery. Carly says she promised Ava that she’d stay, but Nina says, that’s not the reason. Carly doesn’t trust her alone with Avery. Carly says she promised Ava that she would stay. She wants to be here when Avery wakes up. Draw any conclusion Nina wants. Nina says, that’s ridiculous. Avery is very comfortable with her, and in the past few months, she’s spent a lot more time with her than Carly has. Carly says, if Nina insists on staying, that’s fine, but they shouldn’t talk to each other. It’s a big house. Pick whatever room she wants, just don’t wake up Avery. Nina says she wouldn’t wake up a sleeping child. Carly really thinks the worst of her, doesn’t she? (Nina hasn’t gotten that by now?) Carly shakes her head, and picks up the basket, and Nina says, it was Carly’s idea, wasn’t it? Carly told Michael not to invite her to Willow’s wedding.

Brook asks Ned if ELQ is in trouble. She knows there was a dip in the market recently, but what does that have to do with Valentin? He says, she knows about the ELQ stock drop? and she says, it’s their family business; yes, she keeps up. She knows the stock took a hit when Valentin’s death was announced, but Ned stepped in as CEO, and things stabilized. He’s been the consistent leader he always was. Ned says he demonstrated to the shareholders and the market that ELQ was still strong. Then news came out about Valentin’s death being a ploy, and that’s when the stock took another hit. It appears the market doesn’t like the idea of a conman running the company. She says, but Valentin didn’t fake his own death because of ELQ. It’s not like he was embezzling money and took off. Ned says, it doesn’t matter. With all the craziness and corruption that goes on in Wall Street these days, people are skittish. Once shareholders and financial partners lose faith in a company, that company’s days are numbered.

Ava says, Portia has raised a very intelligent and courageous young woman, but what was Trina thinking sneaking onto that boat like that? Portia says, she wasn’t thinking; she was following. She was following Spencer into some shady situation, like a moth to a flame. She’s so utterly terrified right now, she can’t even tell Ava. She can’t go home because Curtis isn’t there, and it makes it even more lonely. And she can’t work. All she can do is think of all the different ways Trina could be hurting. Ava says she understands, but they need to keep in mind how smart and capable Trina is. Portia says, not when it comes to Spencer. She loses all common sense when it comes to him. How many times has he lied to her? When he first met her, he said his name was Victor, probably because he idolizes his Great Uncle Victor. Ava says, he may have at the time, but he doesn’t any longer.

Drew says, so Trina managed to get a phone call out? and Curtis says, amazingly, she called Portia on a satellite phone she found. Portia came out and flagged down Jordan, Laura, and him to listen in on speaker phone. Trina even managed to give them the ship’s heading with Laura’s help. Drew says, that’s great. The heading narrows things down, but did she say anything about an exact location? Curtis says, the ship’s GPS was disabled, so they were unable to track the ship remotely. Then she said she had to go, so Curtis told her to leave the phone there. He hated telling her to do that, but if Victor knew one of his phone’s was missing, it would alert him that he had a stowaway. Drew says, that was a good call, and Curtis says, maybe, but he hasn’t had any contact from Trina since, and it’s driving him crazy. Laura convinced him not to storm the PCPD, so he’s been staying close here, seeing if Trina can manage another call to Portia. Drew says, Portia’s here? and Curtis says, she’s in her office. Drew says, and Curtis is out here? Curtis says, yeah, and Drew says he’s sorry they can’t be going through this together, but Curtis says, given the situation, it’s probably best. Anyway, he needed to talk to Drew. He called Drew here for a reason. Drew says, whatever he can do, and Curtis says he needs Drew to tell him more about his connection to Victor Cassadine.

Spencer says, leave Trina alone, but Victor says, Spencer’s hardly in a position to protect her. Spencer says, that’s not going to stop him from trying, and Victor asks for a word with Obrecht… now. He asks if Obrecht enjoyed her reading, and she says, the properties, the pathogen are fascinating; very complex, and virtually unstoppable. He asks if she’s saying it’s beyond her capabilities. Is she not capable of producing a vaccine? She says, nein. She’s already produced several protocols that are capable of working. He says he knew she’d rise to the challenge, but she says she hasn’t agreed to help him. He says, yet.

Spencer asks if Trina is sure she’s all right, and Ambrose says, watch his step, but Spencer says, they’re just talking. Watkins says, let them talk. They can’t plan anything with them standing right here. Trina says she’s okay; the guard didn’t try to hurt her. She’s sorry she fell for the trap. She blew it. Spencer says, it’s okay. She ran circles around these morons for 24 hours, and she stopped the ship. That’s all that matters. She says, at least she did that, and he says, it’s okay. She may have saved them. They’re going to get out of this.

Carly says, and Nina wonders why she didn’t want to leave Avery with her. She’s delusional. If Michael and Willow didn’t invite her to their wedding, it’s because they didn’t want her there. Nina says, be honest with her. When Carly found out Michael was going to invite Sonny to the wedding, Carly didn’t encourage Willow to shut her out? Carly says, Michael invited Sonny? and Nina says, Michael and Willow didn’t ask Carly’s permission for Michael to invite his own father to his wedding? Will wonders never cease. Carly says she gets it. Michael invited Sonny, and not Nina, and Sonny accepted, even though Nina was excluded. Nina says she wanted Sonny to go to the wedding because she knows how much his relationship with his son means to him. Carly says, maybe more than she thought. It sounds like Sonny has finally gotten his priorities straight. She doesn’t give a damn what Sonny does anymore, but he is Michael and Donna’s father. And it just makes her glad that Sonny is finally choosing to put his family ahead of Nina.

Curtis tells Drew that he and Laura were talking about Esme, and how tricky her memory situation is. Then he remembered Drew telling him that Victor used the tarot card on him to trigger his memory. Drew says, it didn’t work. Where is Curtis going with this? Curtis says, Victor was hellbent on getting Drew to remember something. According to Drew, he went to a lot of trouble. Drew says he thinks that’s the reason Victor put up with Peter August as long as he did, because Peter was promising to deliver something he was supposed to remember. Curtis wonders if it’s something that could lead them to where Victor’s headed, and Drew says he gets why Curtis is going down this road – Trina might be his daughter – but he’s grasping at straws. Curtis says he’ll take a straw, and Drew says, all he knows is, Victor wanted information about something called Operation Demeter. Curtis says, it means nothing to Drew? and Drew says he’s reasonably certain that it’s a black op he was involved in when he was a Navy SEAL, but he has huge gaps about that time in his life. He tried to remember. He tried to do everything. He sat for hours going over his service records, although most of it was redacted. He tried to piece together everything that was listed there, but he just couldn’t remember; he’s got nothing. Curtis says, okay. Drew was involved in the plot to overthrow Victor with Valentin and Anna, right? Drew says, just at the very end, but yeah, and Curtis says he needs Drew to tell him everything he knows about Victor Cassadine.

Portia tells Ava that Spencer has caused Trina non-stop heartache, but now she’s vulnerable. Did Trina tell Ava what happened after the wedding? Ava says she knows Curtis might be Trina’s father, and Portia asks if Trina told her that they’ve been estranged ever since. The same thing with Curtis. She messed up. She kept the truth from all of them because she wanted to give Trina the best life she possibly could. At least that’s what she told herself anyway. Ava says, the lies seem to catch up with them, don’t they? She knows all about making mistakes in the name of doing what’s best for your child. Portia was just being the best mom she could be. Portia thanks her for that, but says, the damage is already done. Trina thinks Spencer is the only one she can count on, so she followed him into danger. Portia wishes Trina had never met him. If Trina survives this, Portia promises she’ll make sure Trina never sees Spencer again.

Victor has Spencer and Trina brought out on the deck, and Spencer asks what they’re doing out here. Victor says he’s getting tired of Spencer’s shortsightedness, and Spencer says, there’s nothing they can see by darkness. Victor says, and even more tired of his games. He’s giving Spencer one last chance to join him. He’s not just offering Spencer part of his legacy, he’s offering Spencer a front row seat. To be a part of the glorious future of our planet unburdened by overpopulation. He already has Ace to carry on the Cassadine name, but he was hoping to have Spencer by his side. Spencer says, by his side when he reduces the world’s population. It’s sick. Victor says, hard choices have to be made to balance the ratio of people to natural resources on this planet. Without antibiotics and modern medicine, population attrition would have already happened naturally. (Not necessarily but go on.) He’s just trying to right the scale. Spencer says he can’t be a part of this, but Victor tell him not to fool himself. There is steel in that spine. Spencer took his father’s son from him, and drove him out. He certainly possesses that clarity of mind and purpose to do whatever’s necessary. Spencer is a Cassadine. Trina says, Spencer is nothing like Victor. He has a good heart, despite what his family wants him to be. He told her about Victor and Helena, and he will never be that person. Victor says, Spencer is way too smart to throw away his legacy for a pretty face, but Spencer says, Trina is so much more than that. She’s the bravest person he knows. She never shies away from the truth, and she knows right from wrong. Thanks to her, he’s starting to figure that out for himself. He doesn’t share Victor’s vision, and he’ll never join Victor, no matter what Victor does to him. Victor says, Spencer breaks his heart. Throw her over the side. Watkins picks Trina up, and another guard holds Spencer back. Obrecht almost runs to them, but gets a grip.

Ava tells Portia that she knows Spencer pretty well, and it’s true he was once reckless and vindictive, entitled, petty, but now… Portia says, don’t tell her that he’s a changed man, but Ava says, since he met Trina, there’s been a shift in him. Portia says, Trina shouldn’t have to be Spencer Cassadine’s conscience, and Ava says, no argument there. But this change since he’s come back to Port Charles can be directly tied to Trina. Portia says, and any pain Trina had can be tied directly back to Spencer, and Ava says she can’t argue that, but Trina chooses to be with Spencer, and she thinks they need to respect that. Portia and Trina will never reconcile if Portia keeps badmouthing him. Portia says, and that may be a moot point. They may never reconcile if Trina doesn’t make it back.

Brook says, no disrespect, but doesn’t Ned think he might be overreacting? ELQ has had downturns in the past, and always come out stronger. Ned says he doesn’t overreact; the market does. A good investor lives for this. Their stock drops, and shareholders get nervous and start selling. Next thing you know, in come the corporate raiders. First sign of weakness, and the sharks start circling. He’s going to have to make some tough decisions to streamline and cut costs, but he really doesn’t want to have to fire thousands of employees to do it. Brook says, it’s that bad, huh? What can we do? He says, they have to reassure the market that ELQ is stable, strong. Valentin hasn’t even talked yet to the press and explain his actions. Brook says, that’s because Anna’s been in ICU, and Ned says he’s not asking Valentin to hold a press conference. He could make a written statement. The longer he stays silent, the worse it looks. Valentin won’t return his phone calls. Brook says, it’s not the first thing on his mind, but Ned says, it should be. Anna’s being well taken care of at GH. Valentin is their CEO. The health and well-being of this company is his responsibility, and Ned thought he knew that. The Quartermaines have always understood. Whether it’s grandfather, him, or Michael, they understand that to keep ELQ strong and stable, you need committed leadership. (Really? Michael understood that?) Ned is starting to regret siding with Valentin when Michael and Drew wanted him ousted.

Nina tells Carly that she’s never asked Sonny to choose between her and his family, and never will. She wanted him to go to that wedding, even if it’s without her. Carly says, that’s very noble. She’s sure Sonny appreciates the sacrifice. (Hmm… She doesn’t sound sarcastic…) Nina says, she’s not just missing her daughter’s wedding; she’s missing what could be her last days. The daughter she’s never really been able to know, and that’s Carly’s fault. Carly says, Nina and Willow have known each other for years. Nina was unfair to Willow when she was Charlotte’s teacher. She attacked Michael and Willow in open court. The list goes on and on and on. It’s no wonder Willow doesn’t like her. Nina says, that was before they knew they were mother and daughter, and Carly says, exactly. It was all right for Nina to be a bitch to Willow when she wasn’t a relative, and the only thing that’s different now, is Nina knows Willow is her daughter. Then suddenly, Willow is wonderful. Willow has been wonderful all along, but Nina couldn’t see it. (This is one of the things that pisses me off about Carly. Like she doesn’t turn a blind eye to her own children’s faults and treat them differently than strangers.) Nina still doesn’t see it. Willow is a person, with wants and needs in her level of comfort. But Nina doesn’t care. The only thing she cares about is that Willow is hers. Her possession; her daughter. No wonder Willow doesn’t want to be with Nina or around her. Instead of facing that fact, Nina wants to blame it all on her. Nina says she’s made mistakes, but it’s Carly’s fault she doesn’t have a chance to earn Willow’s forgiveness because they’re running out of time because her daughter’s dying. It is Carly’s fault.

Drew tells Curtis, since Victor came back to Port Charles, he’s been focused on locating a code that’s etched in one of the diamonds I the Ice Princess necklace. Curtis says, so all of the killings – Luke Spencer, the Deputy Mayor; Anna, Lucy, Valentin going missing – that was all over a necklace? Drew says, Valentin learned that the code is actually a set of coordinates indicating a bunker Victor’s brother Mikkos hid something in that Victor wants. Curtis says, so now Victor has the necklace? and Drew says, he acquired it the night of the Nurses Ball. Curtis says, the same night he left on the Haunted Star, and Drew says, yeah. (What a pair of rocket scientists, eh?) Presumably he has the location of Mikkos’s bunker, and that’s where he’s headed. Curtis says, and Victor thought Drew knew the location of the bunker? and Drew says, yeah. Curtis says, then Drew needs to remember. Somehow, whatever it takes. Trina’s life depends on it.

Victor says, hold, and everything stops. He asks if Spencer will do as he says, and Spencer says he’ll go along with whatever Victor wants, whatever he says, as long as Trina doesn’t get hurt. Victor says, so he’ll stop resisting, and Spencer says, yes, as long as Trina’s safe. Please. He’ll go along with Victor’s plan. He’ll be by Victor’s side to shape the world. Victor tells Watkins to release Trina, and the other guard lets go of Spencer. Trina runs to Spencer, and he holds her, saying, that’s all right; people are coming. Victor says, that’s where he’s wrong. No one can save them. Spencer says he just told Victor that he’d do whatever Victor wants, and Victor asks if Spencer thinks he’s stupid enough to believe anything Spencer says. He was looking for a partner; someone to share his vision. Instead, he got an ungrateful, duplicitous whelp ready to stab him in the back at a moment’s notice. (Take that RHONJ.) Fine. Spencer and Trina can both drown. The guards grab Trina and Spencer again.

Brook hopes Ned isn’t thinking of asking Michael and Drew for help with ousting Valentin, because the last time he did that, Ned double-crossed them, and their relationship hasn’t been the same since. Ned says, it wasn’t a double-cross; it was a tactical adjustment. And he did what was best for ELQ. She says, he did what was best for himself, and he says he did think his position at ELQ would be stronger if Valentin remained CEO, but let’s be clear, at the time, ELQ was thriving under Valentin’s leadership. There was no reason to vote him out. She says, but now circumstances have changed, and Ned says, yes. Because Valentin is all wrapped up in his family’s business, while ELQ suffers. He understands what Valentin is going through right now on a personal level, but it won’t change his business decision. Valentin has to go.

Carly says she didn’t give Willow leukemia, and she didn’t kidnap Liesl to delay the bone marrow transplant, and Nina says, of course (🍷) not. But if Carly had told the truth about that DNA test, Willow would have gotten that bone marrow transplant months ago, and she’d already be cancer free. Carly says, they didn’t know about Willow’s diagnosis months ago, and Nina asks if she doesn’t understand. If Willow had known she was her mother – whether Willow accepted her or not – when the possibility of a bone marrow transplant came up, Willow would have come to her immediately, instead of waiting months and months through that farce that Drew put everyone through looking for her birth parents. She was here all along. Carly says she told Nina, the second she found out Willow had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, she told Nina that she wasn’t a match. Nina says, but Liesl was a match, and she would have gotten tested immediately, and this whole nightmare would have been done and over with.

Portia tells Ava that she’s so sorry. She didn’t realize she had any more tears to cry. Ava says, please don’t be sorry. She gets it; she’s a mom too. Portia hopes it’s not too late for her and Trina, and Ava says, it’s not. She knows that because Trina called Portia. When she was in danger and scared, she called her mom. Portia says, and Trina told her that she loved her. She didn’t think she’d hear those words again from Trina, but now she wonders if it’s going to be the last time. She starts to cry again, and Ava says, those will be the first words Trina says when she sees Portia again. Believe it. Ava says she should get home to Avery, and Portia thanks her. Ava says, if she hears anything… Portia says, of course (🍷) she’ll keep Ava updated, and Ava says, when Trina comes home, they have all the time they need to work things out. She tells Portia, everything is going to work out, and leaves.

Spencer says, Victor wants to kill him? Is that what Victor did to his father? Victor says he doesn’t know where Nikolas ran off to, and doesn’t really care. Spencer is just as much of a disappointment. At least he has Ace and can raise him as he pleases. Spencer says, please, Ace needs him, and Victor says, goodbye, Spencer. He starts to walk away, but Obrecht steps in front of him, and says, stop this nonsense. He asks if she wants to join them, but she says, no. She wants to use them.

Carly says, if Nina wants to know the cold, hard truth, she kept the DNA results a secret for Willow’s sake. Willow told her that she didn’t want to find her birth mother because she was afraid she’d turn out to be someone like Nina. Nina disrespected Willow at every turn. She accused Willow of having an affair. She bothered Willow over and over again when Nina knew she was having a difficult pregnancy. She knew it would devastate Willow to find out a woman she hated was her mother. So don’t look at her as the cause of the non-relationship with her daughter. Take a look in the mirror. The blame lies solely on Nina.  Nina says she should have the rest of Willow’s life to make it up to her, but she doesn’t because Willow’s life is measured in days, and that’s Carly. She stole that time from them. She did that. Nina walks out.

Drew says, if he knew anything that could lead them to Victor, he’d tell Curtis in a heartbeat, but he just can’t remember. Curtis says he’s sorry for pushing Drew for information he doesn’t have, and Drew says, Trina managed to get her hands on a satellite phone once; maybe she can do it again. Curtis says, maybe. Even before he realized Trina might be his daughter, he just loved her to pieces. She’s so fun and so bright, and she definitely keeps him on his toes. And she’s principled; he likes that. She’s an amazing young woman. So imagine her keeping it together under those circumstances; so focused and so brave. She had to be terrified. Drew asks if Curtis knows who he sounds like. He sounds like a proud father, and Trina sounds just like Curtis, unable to sit back without doing anything. Curtis sees Portia, and jets over to her. He asks if Trina called again, but she says, no. She didn’t even realize he was still here. He says he couldn’t leave, not while Trina’s out there somewhere in danger.

Victor tells his guys to wait, and Obrecht asks why he’d toss Trina and Spencer overboard when they can still be of use. She needs subjects to test any vaccine she develops. Victor asks if she’s saying she’s on board (no pun intended?), and she’ll join his cause, and she says she thinks his cause is madness. But she sees he’s committed to it, and doesn’t want to die, so out of self-preservation. He asks if she’s sure that’s all it is, and she says she certainly doesn’t have any personal feelings for him, if that’s what he’s implying. However, the science has merit. The research. She’s intrigued by creating a vaccine to combat such a complex pathogen. It will be a singular achievement. He says, there’s nothing else like it, and she says, if it fails, it’s of no consequence to her. She’s been living a half-life since Britta’s death, but this challenge has awakened her. She feels alive again. It might even keep her going.

Spencer tells Trina that he’s so sorry. This is all his fault. She says, she followed him, but he says, if he’d left her alone, she’d still be safe now. She says, then he’d be alone, but he says he’d know she was okay. She says, but then she’d wonder if he was. At least this way they’re together. He says he has to find a way to save her and his brother, and Trina says, someone will come and save them. They just need a little time. He says, maybe Dr. Obrecht will give them just that. He just wishes he knew what she was thinking. Trina says she hates the idea of being a test subject, and he says, so does he, but if Obrecht can convince his uncle that she needs them alive, maybe it will buy them more time to figure out a solution before they’re turned into human guinea pigs.

Brook says, Michael and Drew are going to know something’s up the moment Ned tries to reconcile with them, and he says, with all that’s going on with Willow, he’s already made overtures to Michael. Michael knows it’s from his heart. As far as him and Drew, he sees a path there. Drew’s a reasonable guy. This is worth pursuing. She says, huh, and he says he thought she’d be thrilled; the possibility of some Quartermaine family unity for a change. She says she is, it’s just… blindsiding Valentin and ousting (WOTD) him when his life is in upheaval and his guard is down, and Ned says, it’s business. Valentin’s a businessman. She says, he’s also a Cassadine. Valentin isn’t someone Ned wants as his enemy.

Drew tells Curtis and Portia that he wishes he could help. The only thing he knows about Operation Demeter is the name. Curtis wonders if they could pressure the Navy to unseal the records. What about Robert’s connection with the WSB? Drew says, the Navy won’t answer to the WSB. They won’t even acknowledge the op existed. Portia says she can’t believe in this whole wide world there isn’t someone who can tell them what Operation Demeter was. Drew says, wait a minute. Maybe there is.

Ava comes back to Windymere, and thanks Carly for keeping an eye on Avery. Carly asks if there’s any word on Trina, but Ava says, unfortunately, it’s still a waiting game. Carly says, Avery’s fine; she never woke up. Ava says, good, and asks if everything is okay. Carly says, Nina was here, and Ava asks how it went. Carly tells Ava, if she ever feels compelled to give her advice – don’t – and walks out.  

Nina gets in her car, and flashes back to Carly telling her the cold, hard truth; that Willow didn’t want to find her birth mother for fear she’d turn out to be someone like Nina, and to look in the mirror. Nina calls Carly a bitch, and says, nothing is ever your fault, is it? She flashes back to Ava telling her, if Carly bought Aurora stock knowing a merger was on the horizon, that’s insider trading, and Carly and Drew would be open to prosecution. Nina says, it might be time for Carly to face some consequences of her own, and drives away.

Watkins says, copy that, and tells Victor, Ambrose says the engine should be repaired within the hour. Victor says, that’s good news, and tells Trina, it seems she didn’t cost them that much time. Spencer asks what he’s going to do with them, but Victor says, Spencer doesn’t get to ask questions. He tells a guard to take them and lock them up, and Trina says, he’s not going to kill them? Victor tells her, as Dr. Obrecht said, they’re still useful to him, and when that’s no longer so, he’ll dispose of them. Obrecht says, a wise choice, but she’ll need healthy subjects to work on the vaccine. He must feed and water them like any lab rat, so the tests are uncompromised. Spencer tells Trina that they’re going to make it out of this, but Victor says he doesn’t see how that’s possible. The voyage is almost over. Despite the delay, they should arrive at Mikkos’s bunker by morning. Then Liesl can get to work.

Tomorrow, Cody tells Brook that someone is the last person in the world he wants to hurt; Sasha asks if there’s some other reason Gladys wants to leave town; and Alexis asks TJ if there’s any hope.

🙋🏽‍♀️ Goodbye Hello…

Two leaving, one coming, a return, and an anniversary. Victor, we loved hating you.

💐 Anniversary Times Two…

Today – April 21st! Although that’s just if you want to watch it live. I’m sure it will remain on YouTube in perpetuity. This guy does a good interview.

🍸 Random Tidbits…

More on those red flags from yesterday’s Vanderpump Rules.

https://jezebel.com/scandoval-sandoval-leviss-vanderpump-rules-episode-1850356425

Ariana’s new man. Good for her.

https://www.tmz.com/2023/04/16/ariana-madix-cozy-new-man-coachella-scandoval/

No, Billie Lee. You most definitely have to pick sides. Sandoval was a scumbag, and Ariana got the short end of the stick. End of story. You do look good though.

💎 Now That the Rat’s Away…

It’s not like she joined the cast, but she might make it more palatable.

https://www.etonline.com/denise-richards-confirms-shes-returning-to-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-203079

🐈‍⬛ Here Kitty, Kitty…Wow…

This was on the news here tonight. That’s one big cat.

https://people.com/pets/patches-40-pound-fat-cat-adopted-in-richmond/

👀 Looking For Waldo…

Slide into my blog tomorrow for soap, a choice tea selection, words I’ve heard, and music befitting the occasion. Until then, stay safe, stay smoking them if you’ve got them, and stay not equating initial success with ongoing effectiveness.

April 14, 2023 – Trina Calls For Help, New Gig, NYC Morph, Never Again, Wrong City, Scandoval Stuff, Another Prequel, Oblivious, Two Pups (!), Not Eleven Quotes & Clean Water

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

At the gym (not Sonny’s), Finn spots while Chase lifts weights, and he asks if Chase wants to take a break, but Chase says, no. Gregory tells Chase, go easy. The last time he overdid it, he ended up in the hospital with a bum shoulder. Finn says, half of that was Chase’s fault; the other half was Brook.

On the phone, Brook says she’s watching Wiley and Amelia while Willow rests upstairs. Drop everything and get over here… She doesn’t care if they’re at the hair salon. She has a critical mission for them, and they have to accept it.

On the phone in her office, Alexis says, Allison has an in with the coastguard, so she needs Allison to find out whatever she can about the Haunted Star. Sam walks in, and Alexis says, same thing with government leaks, If they’re credible, find them. Sam says, this is actually why she’s here. Dante’s been working hard on the investigation, but hasn’t said anything about Victor. Has Alexis heard anything? Alexis says, the Haunted Star is gone from its mooring, there’s no accounting for it. They believe there’s three hostages, but that’s all she knows. Sam says, if anything new comes in, will Alexis please keep her updated? and Alexis says she will, if Sam does the same for her. She heard Sam was in court this morning. What’s up?

Curtis says, Trina is coming home, even if he has to bring her home himself, and Portia thanks him for being here and wanting to help find Trina. He says he can’t just sit around, knowing all the danger that faces his daughter… her daughter.

Jordan says, she and Laura are friends as well as colleagues. This plan she’s been working on with Felicia and Robert to take Victor down, what is it? And why didn’t Laura tell her about it? Laura says, Anna was a fugitive at the time. If she’d involved Jordan, Laura would have compromised her. They all talked about it, and decided the smart thing to do would be continue with the plan until they could find proof that it was Victor who was behind Luke’s death. Jordan asks how that worked out for her, and Laura says she knew she was dealing with a dangerous man. She didn’t know he’d disappear on the Haunted Star, and make her grandsons and Dr. Obrecht and Trina Robinson all disappear with him.

Obrecht says, if Victor thinks she’s going to help him, he’s truly lost his geist (mind), and Victor says he does love it when she speaks German to him. But let’s be honest, she has done worse, and if she chooses not to cooperate, he promises the consequences will be dire. Spencer jumps up, grabs Obrecht in a headlock, and drags her out of her chair, putting a knife to her throat. Victor asks what he’s doing, and Spencer says, he needs Obrecht to protect his family? No Obrecht, no plan. Watkins holds a gun on him, and Obrecht says, do something. Victor sits back, sips his coffee, and says, have at it. Is he from New Jersey?

Trina hides outside the communications room, and says, what’s taking so long with the diversion, Spencer? She bumps into the fire extinguisher, and one of Victor’s goons says, what was that?

Sam says, Alexis had a reporter at the courthouse, and Alexis tells her, he said Cody Bell was arrested for grand larceny, and Sam bailed him out. Why? Sam says, because Cody is Dante’s friend, and he needed help, and Alexis asks why Dante didn’t help him. Sam says, because he’s busy searching for Victor, and Alexis says, so Sam thought she’d just step in? Sam says, if Alexis wants to hear the whole story, she’ll tell her. Sasha Gilmore had a very expensive bracelet on loan, and Gladys Corbin was wearing it at the time. Gladys, who’s not the most reliable narrator, said the bracelet just magically disappeared off her wrist, and said bracelet appeared in the pocket of Cody’s jacket, which he was not wearing at the time. Alexis says, that doesn’t mean he’s innocent, and Sam asks, what happened to her mother the lawyer, who believed all defendants were innocent until proven guilty? and Alexis says, she got disbarred. She was under the impression Sam didn’t trust Cody. Sam says she told Alexis that she’s handling this. Alexis has enough to deal with. Alexis says, fine. She’s not going to interfere where she’s not wanted. Sam asks if she really means that, and Alexis says she’s trying. If Sam really doesn’t want her involved in this business with Cody, she won’t be involved. Sam asks if she’s been hit in the head, but Alexis says she’s just been told off. Sam says, by Gregory, and Alexis nods.

Chase says, if he’s pushing it, it’s because of his nerves. The CCRB meets later today. Gregory says, Finn told him that Brook had something to do with him getting a second chance, and Chase says, Brook got the Board to take another look at his case. Gregory says, that’s good news, right? and Chase says, maybe. Or maybe he wouldn’t have needed a second chance if Brook submitted her letter the first time the Board met.

Maxie walks into the gatehouse with her new darker hair, and says, this better be good. She had to skip the conditioning treatment. Brook says, her hair looks amazing (I like it), but they’ll talk about that another time. How are James and Georgie doing? Maxie says she had to tell them that their oma disappeared because she wanted to make their magic act a success. Georgie didn’t buy it, but James believes it, so Georgie is pretending to believe it too. Brook says she’s so sorry about Liesl. She knows how much Maxie cares about her, and it must be driving her nuts. Maxie says she can’t believe it’s happening. She keeps telling herself that Mac and the PCPD will leave no stone unturned, and if anyone can take care of themselves, it’s Liesl. Brook says, she’s a formidable woman, and Maxie says, but still, Victor Cassadine is a scary guy, and how long can Willow wait for the bone marrow transplant? Brook says, speaking of Willow, Maxie is going to plan her wedding to Michael.

Portia says, Curtis always cared for Trina, and he says, Trina is a remarkable young woman, and he was looking forward to being a part of her family, officially. Portia says, he is a part of her family. She and Trina are very lucky they have him on their side. He asks if she’ll be okay, and she says she refuses to fall apart, but she’s far from okay. He says he feels her, and leaves. She heaves a sigh, and says, please, please, please.

Victor’s goons draw their guns, but they hear their radio say, all units come to the main cabin. They keep moving, and Trina slips into the communications office.

Spencer tells Victor not to underestimate him. He’ll do anything to save his brother from Victor. Victor says, doesn’t he understand? If he kills Dr. Obrecht, he simply seals his baby brother’s fate.

Maxie tells Brook, back up. Michael and Willow rescheduled their wedding until after the bone marrow transplant. They’re getting married in July. Brook says, because Willow’s bone marrow transplant was supposed to be today, and Maxie says, oh my God. She doesn’t think she’s going to make it until Liesl gets home. Brook says, no one knows when Liesl is going to be found… and Maxie says, or if she will, but Brook tells her, stay positive. Liesl will be found, but she understands Willow’s concern. She and Michael want to be married. They don’t want to risk waiting, so they moved the date up. Maxie says she’ll help in any way she can. What are they thinking, end of the month? Brook says, tomorrow, and Maxie says, I’m sorry, what? Brook says, too soon, she knows, but everybody is pitching in, and they need her. Maxie says, to plan a wedding? In less than 24 hours? Brook says, Maxie planned the Nurses Ball in record time, and Maxie asks if she should count all the ways it went wrong. Brook says, count all the ways it went right. Compared to the Nurses Ball’s 60th anniversary, planning a wedding in less than 24 hours is a literal piece of cake. Maxie says, brew some coffee, and make it strong. She’ll plan this wedding… Brook interrupts her with a hug and runs to the kitchen.

Gregory says he’s sorry he brought up Brook, and Chase says, forget it. Who wants to do more reps? Finn says, no thanks, and Gregory tells him, what his brother said. Chase says, Gregory has barely broken a sweat today, and Gregory says, because he doesn’t actively need to avoid his feelings. Chase wonders why Gregory cares so much about him and Brook, and Finn says, maybe because Gregory loves him? Gregory says he loves both his boys, and wants them both to be happy. So sue him. Chase says, Brook did make him happy. She also hurt and disappointed him. She held off on writing her letter of support because she didn’t want him to get his badge back. She wanted him to focus on music. Supposedly, the plan was to expose her manager as a predator, so he couldn’t extort or harass any other women; and for Brook to get her songs back. Instead, she signed a non-disclosure agreement with Linc. He gave her songs back, and she agreed to keep quiet. Brook sold out. Finn says, that’s pretty tough to get past, and Gregory says, from what he understands, Brook more than redeemed herself at the Nurses Ball. She broke the non-disclosure agreement, and outed this Linc Brown as a serial harasser. Chase says, she did, and he respects that, but as long as he’s known her, Brook has always put her own interests first, and apologized afterward. And no matter how he feels about her, he can’t trust her.

Alexis says she and Gregory had a run-in, and Sam says, another one? Alexis says, that, compounded with the mess she made the first time when she went to Gregory’s boss behind his back, and Sam says, maybe she shouldn’t have called his boss, but that’s what a good friend would do. Alexis says, speaking of, let’s go back to Cody and Dante. He seems to know as much about Cody as he doesn’t know. Sam says she told Alexis that she’s dealing with this; they’re talking about Gregory now. Whatever happened? Does he have a drinking problem? Alexis says, Gregory doesn’t have a drinking problem, and Sam says she knows Alexis has been concerned about him. If not a drinking problem, then what is it?

Jordan says she knows better than anyone that the best of intentions can have unforeseen results, and while she’s not thrilled Laura chose not to involve the PCPD, she does understand. But things have changed, and she needs Laura to keep her in the loop. Laura says, Felicia is tracking someone down who may be able to help them find Victor, and Jordan asks, who is it, and does she need back-up? Laura says, not yet. Jordan will be the first one to know if they do. All hands on deck. Curtis comes along, and says, if that’s the case, count him in.

Spencer says, without Liesl, Victor’s plan is a non-starter. If she’s not around to make a vaccine, Victor risks his own life, as well as that of Spencer and his little brother. Victor says, it’s a sacrifice he’s willing to make. All that matters is, the world is set to right, so go ahead, kill Liesl. Is Spencer wiling to risk his baby brother will survive what’s coming next? His blood will be on Spencer’s hands. Spencer sees Watkins and Ambrose have their guns on him, and begins to drag Obrecht toward the exit. The other two guards run in, and Victor tells them, cover the exits. Your move, Spencer. Spencer lets Obrecht go, and she says, Cassadines are demented; one has her abducted, the other holds her at knifepoint. Steinmaur’s too good for the pair of them. Victor says he knew Spencer would see reason. Get rid of him.

Trina looks around, and finds a radio, but gets nothing but static. She picks up a portable phone from the 80s, and begs it to work. Apparently, the equipment hasn’t been updated since Luke and Laura’s wedding.

On the phone, Maxie thanks Leah, and says, let’s do that. She’ll be in touch. She tells Brook, it’s a little early, but she has peonies. She’ll make all the flower arrangements, and the rose petals for the flower girl. Brook says, flower girls, plural; Donna and Avery. The only family member slated not to participate in the wedding is Amelia. Maxie asks if Olivia is going to bake the cake, and Brook says, try and stop her. She is determined to cook all the food for this wedding. Maxie is sure it will all be delicious, and says, they need something to elevate the occasion; make it special. Does Brook think it’s too late to get monogrammed napkins for Portugal? Brook suggests they take some of the pressure off this thing. All Willow really wants is a joyful and happy day with her friends and family. Maxie says she’s got it. A special song just for them. Brook could write it; Chase could perform it. Brook says she’d be happy to write a song for Willow and Michael, but she doesn’t think Chase would perform it. Maxie asks, why not? It’s for Willow. Brook says, but that would mean he’d have to work with her.

Gregory says, Brook might have the capacity to change. History has shown them… Finn says, please, no lectures, but Gregory tells Chase, all he’s saying is, Brook made a huge personal sacrifice when she exposed Linc. She put other people ahead of herself when she ignored the NDA and outed him. Doesn’t that show she’s changed? Chase says, Brook has a big heart, no question. That’s why he fell in love with her, but she has a habit of acting on her worst impulses and hurting everyone around her. Gregory says, it sounds like Chase has made up his mind about her, and Chase says, don’t make him sound like the bad guy. Gregory says he thought he taught his sons to be open to second chances, and Finn says, he did. So when does Alexis get hers?

Alexis says, Gregory told her on no uncertain terms that his life is none of her business, and that whatever he’s going through, he’s determined to go through it alone, and Sam says, sometimes people need to figure things out for themselves. Maybe the best thing Alexis can do right now is offer Gregory her support, and trust he’ll reach out to her if he needs her. Alexis says, he won’t, and Sam says, it drives Alexis crazy, doesn’t it, because she sees someone who needs help and wants to help them. Alexis says, it’s a curse. It’s why she became a lawyer. Sam says, he doesn’t need a lawyer, and he doesn’t need Alexis’s help, so why can’t she just let this go? Alexis says, because it doesn’t matter what he says, he does need her help. As far as she knows, she’s the only one who knows that he has a problem. So what is she supposed to do? Just sit back and do nothing?

Curtis says he’ll do anything to make sure Trina gets home safely, when Laura’s phone rings. She steps away, and Jordan says she appreciates the offer. He says, but? and she says, Victor Cassadine is dangerous. Curtis says, and he has Trina. Believe him. Victor won’t see him coming. Jordan says, just trust that they have every available resource looking for Victor and his hostages. If there’s something he can do, she’ll let him know. The truth is, there’s not a lot any of them can do right now. They don’t even know where to look for the Haunted Star, so for now it’s best that he just sit tight. He says, not while Trina’s in trouble. If she won’t let him help the PCPD, there are others he can turn to. She says, he means like Sonny Corinthos? Or Selina Wu?

In her office, Portia tries to record some patient details, but throws down the recorder, and puts her head in her hands. She cries, looking at a photo of her and Trina, when her phone rings, saying, unknown caller. She puts it down, but picks it up again when it continues to ring. Trina says, it’s her, and Portia says, thank God. Where is she? They’ve been so worried about her. Trina peeks out the door, and says she’s on the Haunted Star. Victor took Spencer, the baby, and Dr. Obrecht. He’s taking them somewhere. Portia says, and he took her too. Is she okay? How is Trina calling her right now? Trina says, he doesn’t know she’s here. She followed Spencer and got stuck on board. She doesn’t know where they are. She needs Portia’s help. Portia tells her, hang on. Help is on the way. She runs out of her office.

Maxie says she doesn’t understand. Brook outed that creep Linc at the Nurses Ball. Brook asks what that has to do with her and Chase, and Maxie says she saw the look on Chase’s face when Brook laid into that skeevy manager. He was so proud of her. She assumed when it was all over, Chase would sweep Brook into his arms, and say, all is forgiven. Brook says she didn’t break her NDA and expose Linc to get back together with Chase. She did it because she couldn’t keep quiet for another second and let that creep exploit another woman. Maxie says, and that’s a side of her that Chase hasn’t seen before. She knows Brook didn’t out Linc for Chase, but it is what Chase wanted. And maybe now he realizes his life is empty without Brook, and they can live happily ever after. Brook says she’s done it too many times. Chase thinks she’s selfish. Maxie says, Brook is selfish, and Brook tells her, says the pot calling the kettle black, but Maxie says, selfish with good intentions. She always does the right thing in the end. She just makes some questionable decisions along the way. Chase knew that. He fell in love with her anyway. He will again. Brook says she doubts it. The CCRB meeting is today, and Chase will get his life back; a life she’s not a part of.

Chase says he thinks Finn has a good point, but Gregory says, Chase’s situation with Brook is completely different from his with Alexis. Finn says, of course (🍷). Of course (🍷) it is. How? Gregory says, because his situation with Alexis was never romantic. Love doesn’t come around often. He’d hate to see Chase throw it away. Chase says, love is more complicated than friendship. It requires complete vulnerability to trust another person with your heart. He doesn’t know what Alexis did that was so bad Gregory can’t be friends with her anymore. Gregory flashes back to telling Alexis that he quit his job, and her begging to help him. He says, Alexis overstepped. Chase claims Brook violated his trust, while Alexis did the same to him. Finn says he really doesn’t want to get in the middle of this, and Gregory says, but he will because Alexis is his friend. Finn says, Alexis oversteps because she is who she is. She won’t be deterred if she thinks she’s doing the right thing. But he thinks she’s also proved that she can respect boundaries. Gregory says, that hasn’t been his experience, and Finn asks if he’s not going to give her the chance to show him that she can.

Sam tells Alexis, sometimes that’s what a good friend is all about; just waiting for them to come to you. Alexis says she’s not very good at waiting for people to come to her. It just doesn’t feel natural. She doesn’t have a lot of good friends, but the ones she has, she has this connection with, and she and Gregory have a connection. They have common interests and ethics, common worldviews, and he’s been very supportive of her. She wanted to return the favor, and when she did, she sort of destroyed any connection they did have. So maybe they didn’t have as solid a connection as she thought.

Curtis asks if Jordan is accusing him of something, when Laura comes back, and says, they’re all on the same side, right? He says, right, and Jordan says she promises he’ll be the first to tell if he can help, but she’s asking him for now to back off before he gets himself in too deep. If something were to happen to him… Jordan runs to them, and says, it’s Trina. She has Trina on the phone. Curtis asks, where is she? and Portia says, she’s on the Haunted Star, like they were afraid of. Laura tells Portia to put Trina on speaker, and she does. Jordan tells Trina, this is Commissioner Ashford. She’s here with Curtis and Mayor Collins. Trina says she’s so glad her mom found Jordan. She’s calling from a satellite phone. They’re in open water. She doesn’t know where they are or where Victor’s taking them. Curtis asks if she’s okay. Are Spencer and Ace okay? Trina says, yes. Victor doesn’t know she’s on the ship, and he has Spencer and Dr. Obrecht under armed guard. Jordan says she’ll call IT to pinpoint the location of Trina’s phone, and steps away. Trina says she’s not sure how long she has before the guards come back, and Laura tells her to only stay on the phone as long as she safely can. Trina says, she was trying to find a radio to call for help, but it doesn’t seem to be working, and Laura asks if she’s in the communications room now. Trina says she thinks so. There’s a lot of equipment here, but she doesn’t know what it does. Curtis says, but Laura does, doesn’t she? and Laura says, that ship was her wedding gift.

Spencer and Obrecht are seated in chairs with their hands tied behind their backs, and Obrecht says she wants to know the meaning of this. She didn’t do anything. Victor says, his great nephew reminded him that one can’t be too careful. Spencer disappointed him. Spencer says, the feeling is mutual. He trusted Victor, and then Victor tricked him into meeting on this ship. He’s abducted Spencer’s baby brother, and abducted Britt’s mother. What’s worse is, Victor wants to unleash hell on humanity, including the people Spencer loves. Victor says, tsk, tsk. He’d hoped Spencer had the stomach for this. It turns out, Spencer’s just as weak as his father. Spencer says he’s not weak, but there has to be another way. Victor said it himself, Dr. Obrecht is brilliant, and he thinks between the three of them, they can come up with a solution that will be amicable to everyone here. Victor asks, just why would he believe anything Spencer had to say now? He puts his face a few inches from Spencer’s and says, Spencer betrayed him, and he has to face the consequences.

Victor tells Ambrose to take Dr. Obrecht back to her cabin. He prefers to deal with his family in private. As Obrecht is taken away, Victor says, he’ll have all the information he’s collected on the pathogen sent to her cabin, so she can see he’s right. He tells Spencer, this gives him no pleasure, and Spencer says, forgive him for not believing Victor. Victor asks why Spencer can’t understand that love of family has always been his driving force. It really hurts him that Spencer can’t see that he’s not doing this to him; he’s doing it for him and his brother. Spencer says, let’s work together, but Victor says, it’s way too late for that now. Spencer left him no choice. Spencer says, Victor can’t kill him. Whether Victor likes it or not, he needs Spencer as much as he needs Liesl. With his father and Valentin out of the picture, he is Victor’s heir. Victor says, Spencer is half right. He does have an heir and a spare. He’s allowed his love of family to cloud his judgement too long. All of them have forgotten what it is to be a Cassadine. But it’s not too late for the baby. Victor will raise him and educate him – as a Cassadine. Spencer says, over his dead body, which is probably a poor choice of words, and Victor says, that can be arranged.

Laura tells Trina that she hasn’t been in the communications room in years, but from what she remembers, there was a radar screen. It shows a round circle in the center, and there will be some lines. Can she see something like that? Trina says she sees it, and goes over to the screen. Laura says, in the upper right hand corner of the screen, there will be some numbers. Does she see something that looks like coordinates? Trina says she does, and reads them, but Curtis says, that could be the coordinates from the GPS device Victor tied to the buoy. Jordan asks if Trina can find the heading, and Laura says, it’s the numbers right at the very top. Trina says, 29.369 degrees, and Jordan says she’ll update IT. Trina hears, all units return to posts, and says she’s got to go; she’ll call them back. Curtis asks if that’s the only satellite phone there, and Trina says she thinks so. He says, they’ll notice it’s missing. Whatever she does, do not take it with her. Trina says, got it, and Portia says, it’s gonna be okay. They’re going to find her. Trina tells Portia that she loves her, and Portia says she loves Trina too. Now please just be very, very careful. Trina says she will, and she puts the phone back where she found it. She looks to make sure the hallway is clear, but then looks back and decides to take a radio. Because they won’t notice that’s missing. She checks the hallway again, and jets. The two goons come back.

Sam tells Alexis, if a friend truly knows you, eventually they’re going to realize you have good intentions, and they’ll come back to you. Alexis says she’s not sure it matters what Gregory thinks about her; she’s worried about him regardless. She wishes he’d talk to his sons about whatever this is. And if he’d listen to her, she’d tell him, if you cut your children out of your life, it just causes you more misery. Sam says, Gregory told her what’s really going on, didn’t he? Alexis doesn’t say anything, and Sam says, maybe he’s going to come around, but Alexis says she doubts highly she’s going to see him again. Sam says she’s so sorry. Is Alexis going to be okay? Alexis says, it’s going to take more than this to keep her down.

Finn says he’s taking a shower and picking up Violet, and tells Chase, good luck at the meeting. He’s rooting for him. Chase thanks him, and Finn leaves. Gregory says he’s sorry he pushed Chase, but Brook was good for him. Chase says he knows. He thought Alexis was good for Gregory. Gregory says he just wishes things were different, and Chase says he’s going to hit the showers. He doesn’t want to be late for the CCRB. He just realized, if all goes well, he’s going to be the one seeing more of Alexis, and Gregory asks, how so? Chase says, not only is she a journalist, the PCPD’s biggest case is tracking down her Uncle Victor, who kidnapped her nephews, and Gregory says he heard. Chase says he’s sure Alexis is anxious to hear news of her family, and leaves.

Brook tells Maxie that she and Chase were friends, but didn’t get close until after he was suspended… because of her. Maxie says, Brook didn’t ask him to punch a civilian, let alone two. Brook says, with Linc and Valentin she was in a situation of her own making, and Chase stepped in to defend her. Maxie says, because he cares, and Brook says, his caring cost him a lot. Now he has the chance to be a detective again; reclaim his old life and everything he had in it before she came along. Maxie says, but what she and Chase had was real, and Brook says, until she messed it up – more than once. Maxie says, Brook tried to make it up to him. She wrote that letter to the CCRB. So why is she giving up now? Brook says she shouldn’t even be thinking about getting back together with Chase. What she really owes him is helping him get his badge back. Maxie says she thinks Brook’s done all she can do there, but Brook says, maybe she could do more. Maxie says, then what is she waiting for? Go to that meeting. She’ll stay here with Willow and Amelia; work on wedding prep until Michael gets back. Brook says, there’s one more thing. What if she’s the last person Chase wants to see?

Portia, Curtis, and Laura sit in the waiting area, when Jordan comes back, and says, IT’s working on the coordinates Trina gave them. Portia asks if Jordan has any idea how long it will take to find her daughter, and Laura takes her hands and says, Trina can do this. The fact that she has evaded Victor for this long, actually gives her and Spencer a little bit of an advantage here. Curtis says, think about this. Trina snuck onto the Haunted Star without even being noticed. That’s brave. And it’s that level of courage that will carry her through. Portia says she just prays this nightmare will be over soon, and Laura holds her as she cries.

Victor tells Watkins to double the guards outside Dr. Obrecht’s room. She’s a brilliant woman and not easily intimidated. She’s bound to try and escape. He tells Spencer, time to go, and Spencer says, if Victor wanted him dead, Victor would have killed him already. Victor says, of course (🍷) he doesn’t want Spencer dead. It would pain him no end to harm family. Call him sentimental, but he can’t allow Spencer’s transgressions to go unpunished. So from now on, consider himself Victor’s prisoner. Spencer asks what he’s been up to this point, and Victor says, he’ll no longer be afforded the privileges of family, including food. Spencer says, Victor is going to starve him? and Victor says, believe him. This won’t hurt Spencer nearly as much as Spencer has hurt him. He tells Watkins to take Spencer to his cabin, and Watkins takes an obvious bite of a strawberry before taking Spencer by the arm and leading him out. Spencer turns as Trina peeks out, watching Victor take a sip of those inadequate martinis he makes. He should have brought a bartender.

One of the goons sees the radio is missing, and tells his fellow goon, get in here. Goon #2 takes a look, and asks if one of the walkies is missing.

Alexis flashes back to Gregory telling her that he’s sick, and then goes back to work. There’s a knock at her door, and she says, come in. Gregory walks in, and they soap stare at each other.

Chase straightens his jacket and tie as he waits for the meeting to start. Brook runs in, and says, right on time. He smiles.

On Monday, Gregory says he’s hoping Alexis is feeling the same way; Josslyn tells Michael that Sonny knows about her and Dex; and Sonny says, if he tells Nina, she can’t unknow it.

🦚 Needs To Pay the Mortgage…

Jason goes beyond Salem.

🗽 Start Spreading the News…

Another makeover for RHONY.

💞 Outside the Love Bubble…

I can’t say I blame her. She does seem almost sane.

https://people.com/tv/caroline-manzo-vows-to-never-join-real-housewives-again/

🎷 Borrowed Background…

I haven’t watched this one in a while, but I’m just wondering why they’re using a background from the Chicago when this is about Atlanta.

🍸 Here It Comes…

Because I’ve been sucked into the Scandoval void. Queen Lisa speaks.

https://extratv.com/2023/04/13/lisa-vanderpump-calls-vanderpump-rules-finale-astounding/

I would never judge someone for getting mental health help, and I have no doubt Sandoval was manipulative. He’s always seemed a little slick to me, and I would never date, much less live with, a man who took up more mirror time than me. But she had to know what she was doing was wrong, so it just seems kind of convenient that now she’s concerned about her unhealthy relationship choices.

https://www.etonline.com/vanderpump-rules-star-raquel-leviss-checks-into-facility-for-mental-health-treatment-exclusive

Scheana weighs in… on a lot of things.

It must be love if you have matching necklaces. And eww! the FaceTime thing.

https://www.etonline.com/kristen-doute-reveals-when-ariana-madix-discovered-tom-sandovals-affair-with-raquel-leviss-200541#taboola_organic

While I’ve vowed to never lay eyes on the worst human being in the world again, I might make an exception. He’s perfect for this.

I didn’t hear this interview, but Andy is right. I write questions for celebrity interviews, and do a lot of homework. I can’t stand when it’s obvious that an interviewer doesn’t know their subject at all. So unprofessional

https://www.etonline.com/andy-cohen-roasts-howie-mandel-for-tom-sandoval-interview-says-he-didnt-watch-vanderpump-rules

Howie tries to stay relevant.

🐉 More Thrones Please…

Even though I have yet to watch all the Dragon episodes, but I’m here for this.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-prequel-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-the-hedge-knight-series-order/

✈️ Little Did He Know…

This is too funny.

https://people.com/travel/rainn-wilson-video-seatmate-watching-the-office-next-to-him-on-flight/

🐕 The Latest In God’s Best Invention…

She doesn’t look real. Animation come to life.

https://people.com/pets/snoopy-look-alike-bayley-mini-sheepadoodle/

I would be terrified to own this little nugget, but I sure would love to hold her for a hot minute.

https://people.com/pets/pearl-chihuahua-named-worlds-shortest-dog-guinness-world-records/

🐦 Quotes of the Week

The elevator to success is out of order. You’ll have to use the stairs… one step at a time.Joe Girard

Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets. – Leonardo Da Vinci

The most effective way to do it is to do it. – Amelia Earhart

Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity. – Henry van Dyke

Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance. – Plato

That’s what technology does. It means well, then it ruins your life. – Jen (Krista Marie Yu), Last Man Standing

Honesty is the 1st chapter in the book of wisdom. – Thomas Jefferson

If you have made mistakes, there is always another chance for you. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call ‘failure’ is not the falling down, but the staying down. – Mary Pickford

You’re voted guilty, sh*thead. – Margaret Josephs, The Real Housewives of New Jersey

In a world where you can be anything, be kind. – Jennifer Dukes Lee

Not the Weakest Link…

Join me again on Monday really Tuesday for soap, some Sailing, and the House that won’t go away. Until then, stay safe, stay fighting for the underdog, and stay being a good friend by sometimes letting them come to you.

April 13, 2023 – Victor (Finally) Explains His Plan, His Kid, Déjà Ball, New Girl, Celebrations, First Time, VanderTalk, Chilling Addition & Lost

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Portia says she can’t reach her daughter, but Curtis says, she might have her phone off. Portia says, that would explain the voicemail, but not the texts. The texts should still be going through, but they’re not. He says, she might be out of range, when Jordan and Dante come along. Portia says, no, no, no. Not Trina. Jordan says, they hate to bother her at work, but they have some questions about an ongoing investigation, and Portia asks, what kind of questions? Curtis says, has something happened to Trina?

Spencer says, this can’t be the last of him and Trina; they’re just getting started. Trina says, they’re on the same page, and he tells her, be careful. She promises she will, and says, they’ve got this, but first, they’ve got to call for help. He says, without his escort discovering her, and she says, any ideas?

Sonny comes out of the hospital elevator looking like he has a headache, and Laura asks if he’s here to check on Anna. He asks how Anna is doing, and Laura says, she’s out of surgery. They just moved her to ICU. He says he’ll take any good news where he can get it, and she says she takes it he doesn’t have any leads on Spencer. He says, or Victor, but don’t worry. When he finds Victor, he’s going to pay more than he’s ever paid before.

Michael wonders why he has the feeling he’s about to get ganged up on, and Brook says, that’s a little extreme. Sasha says, Willow has something she wants to tell him, that’s all, and Willow says she just needs him to really listen. He says he always listens to her. What’s wrong? She says she wants to get married, and he says, good, so does he. She says, today.

Valentin raises his head, and sees Anna looking at him. He says, if that’s not the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Welcome back.

Michael says, Willow wants to get married today? and she says, tomorrow at the latest. Brook says, it makes sense, now that the transplant’s been postponed, and Sasha says, and who knows for how long, since Liesl is still missing. Willow says she doesn’t want to wait… She can’t wait. Time is running out. She wants to marry him as soon as possible, so they can have as long as possible together as husband and wife. Please consider it. He says, there’s nothing to consider. He’ll marry her whenever, wherever she wants.

While Victor eats breakfast, a guard brings Obrecht in. Victor says, there she is, and may he say, she looks divine. She says, no, he may not, and he says he does appreciate her joining him on such short notice. Breakfast? She says, it looks more like a funeral. All they need now is a body.

Valentin asks the doctor how Anna is, and she says, still at risk for post-op complications, but she was lucky. She’s on track to make a full recovery. Anna thanks her, and tearfully says she’s grateful. The doctor says she’ll be back to check on Anna, and leaves. Valentin says he doesn’t think luck had anything to do with it. God is an Anna Devane fan. He thought he’d lost her. She says she thinks he saved her life, but he says he’s the reason she got shot in the first place. She tells him, don’t do that, and he says, Victor wanted to hurt him, and was willing to take her away from all of them to do it. She says, he didn’t, and Valentin says, thank God he didn’t. She starts to cry, and says, right before she blacked out, she saw something. It was a wall of faces of all the people she loves. She saw Robin, and Emma, and Noah, and him. That’s what helped her fight because she’s not ready to leave any of them just yet. She thinks he’s stuck with her. He says he’ll hold her to that, and kisses her.

Portia says, Jordan needs to tell her what’s going on right now, and Jordan asks if they can go to her office. Curtis says, if this is about Trina, he needs to come too, and they head for Portia’s office. Dante asks Laura if there’s any word on Anna, and Laura says, she’s out of surgery; she’s going to make it. Dante says, that’s a relief. Unfortunately, it sounds like Victor’s list of victims is growing.

Trina says, there’s no reason for the guard to latch the door when Spencer’s not here, right? It’ll work. Spencer says, it better, and she says, they can do this. Know how she knows? Because they make a good team. She will be the definition of stealth, while he creates the perfect diversion. He says, listen to him. His uncle can’t catch her. She says, he won’t, and they hear footsteps. She says, no turning back now.

In her office, Portia asks Jordan to please tell her what’s going on before she loses her mind, and Curtis asks, what happened to Trina? Jordan says, they don’t know for sure, but they have reason to believe she’s with Spencer Cassadine and his Great Uncle Victor.

Ambrose opens Spencer’s stateroom door, and Spencer says, it’s about time; he’s starving. He blows past Ambrose, and asks if they’re going or what. Ambrose closes the door, and Trina comes out. She slips into the hallway, and jets.

Anna asks, what’s happening? but Valentin says he doesn’t think they should talk about that. She says she wants to talk about him, and he says, she should be resting. She says she is; she’s in a bed. Tell her. He asks, what’s the last thing she remembers? and she says, it’s a bit of a blur. She knows he gave the necklace to Victor, didn’t he? He says, Victor was going to hurt her, and she says she would have done the same thing. Did Lucy get out okay? He says, she did. In fact, he thinks she made a grand entrance at the Nurses Ball. Anna laughs and says, of course (🍷) she did. Where is his father? Do they know? He says he knows Victor escaped on the Haunted Star. So far, the location of the boat is a mystery. She asks how that’s possible, and he says he doesn’t know, but it is. She should know, the necklace isn’t the only thing he escaped with.

Watkins brings some orange juice, since he wears many hats, and Victor says he’d hoped they could play nice, but Obrecht is greeting him with threats. If she’s thinking of causing any trouble, she should know he has guards all over this ship, ready to descend at a moment’s notice. Ambrose brings Spencer in, and Victor says, welcome, my boy. Obrecht says, and then there were three, and Spencer asks, what is this? Victor says he thinks Spencer’s already met Dr. Liesl Obrecht, and Spencer asks where his brother is. Victor said he’d be here. Obrecht says, make that four, and Victor says, he’ll see his brother after breakfast. Please, both of them, come sit. They sit down, and Victor says, isn’t this nice? Before we begin, let’s raise a glass to new beginnings. He raises his glass of juice, and Spencer asks how long Victor thinks he can string them along. Victor promised him answers, and he intends to collect.

Sonny says, so Trina is also one of Victor’s hostages? and Dante says, it’s looking like that. Laura wonders, how much damage can one man do in one night? and Dante says, they’re probably as tired of hearing it as he is of saying it, but they’re doing everything they can to find them. Laura says she knows and appreciates that, but this was exactly what she was afraid of when Victor came back to Port Charles. She tried to warn Spencer, more than once. She tried to protect him. Sonny says, she still protected him. They’re going to find him and bring him home. Dante says, that’s the plan, when Laura’s phone rings. She steps away to take the call, and Sonny asks, how’s Michael and Willow? Dante says he hasn’t talked to them. He hasn’t sat down since this whole thing started. (IKR? Of all the guys to ask.) Sonny says, there’s got to be a way to find Victor and bring Liesl home, and Dante says, they still have the guy who tried to kill Lucy in custody, but he’s not talking to anyone. Sonny says, not to the cops, but maybe the guy will talk to him.

Brook says, they can totally do today, but if Michael and Willow are willing to wait until tomorrow, things might be less frantic. Willow says, they’ll do tomorrow, and Brook says, awesome. Everything is going to come together, she just knows it. Sasha says, it will be the best wedding this town has ever seen, and Brook says, well, duh. We’re the Quartermaines. Amelia cries, and Michael asks if Brook and Sasha can put her down for a nap. They take Amelia upstairs, and Willow says, be honest. Is this really what he wants? He says he want’s to be her husband. Of course (🍷) this is what he wants. Did she really think he was going to fight her on this? She says she thought he’d think she was giving up, and he says, is she? With Liesl MIA right now, he knows things are scary. He wouldn’t blame her if she felt frustrated and hopeless. She says, frustrated, yes, and angry, and afraid. But she hasn’t given up hope. She’s praying with every fiber of her being that Liesl is found, and soon. He says, they have every reason to believe she will be, right? She hasn’t even been missing a full day. Willow says, it feels like the days count more than they used to, and Michael agrees. She says, so they need to be realistic. Dr. Randolph told them that she doesn’t have much time left, and she doesn’t want to gamble with what could be her final days. She hates the words as much as he does, but ignoring them doesn’t do them any good. If this is the end, she wants it to be filled with as much joy and love as possible. And so, just like she insisted on pushing up the wedding until after the transplant, now she wants to get married right away. She asks if she’s driving him crazy, and he says, the good kind of crazy. Let’s do it. They don’t know what the future holds, and their time may be limited, but their wedding is an act of faith that they’ll have many more years together, with a family their love created. She says she likes the sound of that, and he says, so does he, and they kiss.

Dante says he can’t let Sonny talk to the perp. Besides, Sonny already took a crack at him. Sonny says he doesn’t know what Dante’s implying, and Dante asks if Sonny thinks he doesn’t know the reason the guy has Diane for an attorney. That’s the only person he’s spoken to. The only lead they have is because of Sonny. Sonny says, the Haunted Star’s untraceable; they have to find a different angle. Dante says, they will. He has people working on it; Sonny’s got feelers out there too. They’re not going to quit, and he doesn’t think Sonny should either. Sonny says he doesn’t want to be put in this position again, where someone that he loves is dying, and he can’t do a damn thing about it.

Portia says, no. This can’t be happening. She cries, and Jordan asks, when was the last time she saw or spoke to Trina? Portia says, it was at the Nurses Ball, and Portia went to her dorm afterward, but she never showed up. Jordan says, what about Curtis? and he says, same. What is going on? Jordan says, they have evidence that Victor Cassadine abducted Liesl Obrecht, along with Esme Prince’s baby. They also have reason to believe Spencer Cassadine is with them as well. Given Trina was last seen with Spencer, who they believe was taken by his great uncle… Curtis says, her theory is that somehow Trina got caught up in it. Jordan says, yeah, and he asks what her department is doing about it. Jordan says, they have a lead, but unfortunately, following it won’t be easy.

Anna says, Valentin’s father has hostages? Who? Valentin says, nothing is certain, but the police suspect he has Spencer and Baby Ace, as well as Liesl Obrecht. Anna wonders what he wants with Liesl, but Valentin says he doesn’t know. Maybe they have value has hostages, maybe they’re part of his master plan whatever that is. Maybe it’s both.

Spencer says, Victor keeps talking about new beginnings, but he still hasn’t told them where he’s going, or why. And from the way she’s glaring at Victor, he’s betting Dr. Obrecht isn’t exactly here because she wants to be. Victor says he knows this whole situation must be very disconcerting to both of them, but Spencer has always shown willingness to protect their family at any cost. He’s counting on Spencer and his brother to ensure the future prosperity of the Cassadines. Obrecht says, as disturbing as that explanation was, she supposes she can understand him kidnapping his own kin, but she certainly doesn’t care about the Cassadine legacy. He chuckles and says, this goes much further than the family legacy. When his plan comes to fruition, they’ll be ushering in a new era of humanity.

Sonny tells Dante that when his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s there was a damn thing he could do about it. There was no lead he could take. It was this awful disease that was happening to them. Dante says, same thing with Stone, and Sonny says, all he could do was just stand by there and watch him slip away. And no matter how ugly it is with him and Michael, he doesn’t wish that on anyone. Dante says, the way he heard it, Sonny didn’t just stand by there and do nothing. He cared for Mike. He loved him. He made sure Mike’s last days, weeks, and months on this earth were good ones. He did the same thing with Stone. Sonny couldn’t save him – no one could – but Sonny did them a world of good. Sonny thanks him for saying that, and Dante says, it’s the truth. He can do the same thing for Michael and Willow. Sonny says he’d love to, but Michael won’t let him. Dante says he wouldn’t be so sure about that.

Michael asks if everything is good with Amelia because man, that kid needed a nap, and Brook says, clearly they have the magic touch. Now what do they have to do to get this wedding off the ground? Willow says, almost everything is planned already, but they do need to contact the vendors, and tell them that they’re moving up the date. Sasha says, on it. Send her the list. Willow says she will, thanks Sasha, and hugs her. Michael says he’ll walk her out, and they leave. Brook says, what else? And Willow asks if she’d mind… Brook says, checking on Michael? and Willow says she knows this is hard on him, so if Brook can…

Jordan says, they believe Victor left Port Charles on the Haunted Star, and Curtis asks if that ship doesn’t have a GPS tracker. Jordan says, it did, but they found it tied to a buoy in the harbor, and Portia says, so they could be anywhere. Jordan says, the coastguard is working to locate them via satellite, but so far, no luck, and Portia says, this is a living nightmare. Jordan says, they’re utilizing all resources, she promises. The goal is to bring Trina, Spencer, and whoever else is on that boat home safely. Curtis thanks her, and Jordan says, obviously, she’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Portia says, her baby girl. She must be so scared right now. Curtis says, it’s okay; he’s got her. It’ll be okay. He holds her as she cries.

Anna says she doesn’t think Valentin’s father is motivated by money, so it’s not a ransom, and he says, no. Victor could be using Liesl, Spencer, and the baby as human shields. She says she imagines Victor sees Spencer as the only family he has left, but Liesl… Does he need something from her? Remember, they don’t know what the code on the Ice Princess means; they don’t know if it leads somewhere. Valentin says, Victor has everything he needs to put his plan in motion, and he could strike at any minute. She says, oh God. How do they, or anybody… How do they stop him?

Obrecht says, once again Victor has fallen prey to his bloated sense of self-importance, but Victor says he’s merely stating a fact. Someone has to do what needs to be done. She says, and that is? and Spencer says, issuing in a new era; what does that mean? Victor says he was horrified by the damage we were doing to our planet, and Spencer says, we? Victor says, we, us, people, humanity. Their greed and short-sightedness. Carelessly consuming the resources we need to survive. Left unchecked, there will be nothing left for future generations. Once upon a time, his brother Mikkos shared these views, and they developed a technology to reverse mankind’s mistakes. Obrecht says, a device used to control the climate. Do remind them how that turned out. Victor admits allying with Mikkos was a mistake. He soon showed himself to be a mere opportunist, using their innovation for extortion. His greed was not only disgusting, it was their undoing. Obrecht says, his greed, along with Luke and Laura, and Victor says he won’t make the same mistake twice. There are other ways of accomplishing what he set out to do years ago. Spencer asks, how? and Victor says, he and Mikkos developed another set of tools to save the world; tools they could fall back on if their first plan was a failure. Obrecht says, now there’s an understatement, and Victor says, for security reasons, they placed these tools in bunkers, the location of which only Mikkos knew. He engraved a code on the Ice Princess, which when deciphered would give the coordinates of those locations. Spencer says, the Ice Princess as in the diamond, and Victor says, that is correct. Spencer says he assumes they’re headed for one of those bunkers, and Obrecht asks if that’s why he killed Luke Spencer; so he could get his hands on that diamond? Victor says, sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, and there’s plenty of people out there who agree with him. While he was working on his plan, he gathered a great number of true believers willing to give their life for the cause. Obrecht says, before this is over, how many unwilling people are going to perish? and Victor says, humanity has all but ensured its own annihilation. The only way to reverse the damage is to take extreme measures, and take them now. Spencer says, define extreme, and Victor says, for forty years after Mikkos’s folly, do they realize the population of the planet has almost doubled? Eight billion people. Think of the strain on their resources and space. There’s no way it can be sustained, but it can be fixed. Obrecht asks, how? and he says, a pathogen stored in one of his brother’s bunkers. Once released, it will reduce the population to manageable levels. Obrecht says, his plan is to release an unknown pathogen into the world? and he says, unknown? He and Mikkos cultivated it to very specific specifications (ha-ha! say that five times real fast). She says, four decades ago. Who knows how that pathogen has morphed in that time. Victor says, the survivors will usher in a new age of man, and Spencer says, to hell with all the innocent people who will die, as long as Victor’s family remains intact. Who appointed him judge, jury, and executioner? Victor says he knows it seems heartless, but to bring about true change involves sacrifice, and Spencer says, sacrifice from everybody else. Victor says, someone has to have the courage to make the hard choices, and Spencer says, there’s no way he’s going to let Victor get away with this. Victor says he’s been working toward this his whole life. Nobody is going to stop him now. Not even Spencer.

Trina Stealth Robinson sneaks around the boat, evading the guards who go into the office.

Portia tells Curtis, Victor has Trina on some ship for God knows what reason. They have no idea where they are. What if Trina is hurt? Curtis says, they’ll find them, but Portia asks, how? Her daughter needs protecting, and she’s not there to protect her. What is she supposed to do? He says he’s seen how Trina handles herself in threatening situations. She’s tough; she’s level-headed. If she’s with Victor and Spencer, she’s finding a way out of it. Portia asks if he really thinks so, and he says he knows so.

Laura sees Jordan, and says, Dante just told her that Trina might be one of Victor’s hostages? and Jordan says, it’s a theory for now, but it’s seeming more and more likely. She just broke the news to Portia and Curtis. Laura says, she must be going out of her mind, and Jordan says, not the most fun conversation she’s ever had. Laura says, they’ve got to find those kids and bring them back home. Her office is at Jordan’s disposal. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything. Jordan thanks her, and says, actually, there is something Laura can do.

Sonny says, last time he checked, Michael didn’t want anything to do with him, unless Dante knows something different. Dante says he thinks in hard times, people’s perspectives change; you reevaluate what’s important. He just thinks Michael’s feelings will change as the situation evolves. Sonny says, when Willow got leukemia, there was a moment when he thought he and Michael were going to fix things, but last time they talked, it got heated. He knows Michael doesn’t want to see him at all. Dante says, maybe not today or tomorrow, maybe not next week, but who knows? What if one day he wakes up needing his father? Sonny isn’t going to turn him away, right? Sonny says, no matter how angry he is with Michael, if Michael reached out, he’d be there, and Dante says, so do that. It will give him something to do. He tells Sonny that he’s got to go, they hug, and Sonny thanks him for the talk.

Brook goes outside, and Michael wipes his eyes. He says, she caught him having a moment, and she tells him to have as many as he needs. He says, they seem to be happening a lot more lately, and she says, but not in front of Willow. He says, she has enough on her plate. He doesn’t want to add to it. She asks if she can say something. If he thinks she’s overstepping… He says he’ll tell her, and she says, maybe it’s time he and Willow shared a plate; shared their feelings about what’s really going on. The truth is, this is happening to both of them. She loves him, and she’s here for whatever he needs. He thanks her and says he loves her too, when his phone rings. Brook says, let her go. She misses the days of rocking Bailey to sleep. She goes inside, and he looks at his phone. We see it’s a call from Sonny. He says, now is not a good time, and Sonny says, it’ll be quick. Michael doesn’t even have to respond. Just let him say his piece. Michael says he doesn’t know. He’s got to go. Sonny says, okay, and Michael says, but… I hear you.

Valentin tells Anna, one thing is certain. We won’t be doing anything. We will stay in bed and we will recover. Anna says, okay, but just because she’s in this bed, it doesn’t render her useless. He says, of course (🍷) she’s not useless. He needs her. If he’s going to bring Victor down, he needs her desperately. But he’s not going to jeopardize her health to do it. Not much scares him… He starts to cry, and says, but when he watched her… She strokes his face, and he says, when he held her in his arms, straight away, that terrified him. He doesn’t want to be without her. She cries too, and says, he won’t be. He says, so she promises him that she won’t do anything to put herself at risk? and she says, okay. She promises. He kisses her hand, and then she kisses his.

Jordan says she knows Laura’s been working to take down Victor ever since he returned to Port Charles. She’s made allusions in the past, and Robert and Felicia confirmed it yesterday. Laura says she has a long history with the Cassadines. They’ve terrorized her and her family countless times, countless ways. No more. Jordan says she’s not blaming Laura, but Laura’s kept her out of the loop for way too long. She wants in. Their best chance of taking down Victor is working together; all of them.

Portia says her mind keeps going to all the scariest places, but Curtis says, she has to try not to let it. She says, they both know the Cassadines, how vindictive and evil and lethal they are, and he says, Jordan has the entire PCPD on their tail. She says, what if they’re not on time? but he says, Trina is coming home, even if he has to bring her home himself.

Trina peeks into the office, but the guards are still hanging around. She says, come on, Spencer. Where’s the diversion?

Victor says, come on, Spencer, think about it. This is the only way he and his brother will have a world to grow up in. Spencer says, assuming they don’t fall victim to the pathogen’s effects, and he says, that is where the lovely Dr. Obrecht comes in. Her expertise will assure his heirs are properly inoculated. He puts his hands on Obrecht’s shoulders, and she says, thus ensuring his precious legacy. If he thinks she’s going to help him, he’s truly lost his verstand (mind). He says he does love it when she talks German, but if she doesn’t comply with his wishes, he guarantees the consequences will be dire. Spencer jumps up, gets Obrecht in a headlock, pulling her from her chair, and holds a knife to her throat.

So… Victor is a secret unhinged environmentalist?

Tomorrow, Brook tells someone that she has a critical mission for them, and they have to accept it; Sam asks why Alexis can’t just let this go; Curtis tells Jordan that they won’t see him coming; Portia says, help is on the way; and Spencer tells Victor, no Obrecht, no plan.

🩰 That Explains It…

Eagle-eyed viewers? The only way to miss her would have been if you were in the bathroom or making a sandwich in the kitchen. In other words, not in the room.

💃🏾 In Case You Missed It…

Welcome to the Nurses Ball… again.

👧🏼 Revolving Charlottes…

All about this week’s Charlotte. IMO she was kind of bland.

🐇 In Their Easter Bonnets…

I’m glad some of them remembered what the holiday is about.

🔎 He’s Been the Good, He’s Been the Bad…

Here’s one for eagle-eyed viewers. I don’t know if I would have recognized him.

🍸 The Smell of Victory…

Ariana gets to dance, and Raquel has to pack her model walk and go. It’s a good week in VanderLand.

👹 Now That’s Scary…

I guess there’s been weirder casting. Maybe.

https://people.com/tv/kim-kardashian-joins-new-season-of-american-horror-story-with-emma-roberts/

🏀 Following the Bouncing Ball…

Punch in again tomorrow for soap, random leaves of tea, words that speak to you, and music befitting the occasion. Until then, stay safe, stay not waiting until the last minute to do your taxes… next year, and stay reevaluating what’s important before hard times force you to change your perspective.

April 7, 2023 – A Surprise Guest Crashes the Ball, New Life, Bad Cop, Joisey Tawk, Daisy’s Pick, House Spin, VanderChatter, Happy Place, Exactly Eleven Quotes & Sun

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Valentin brings Victor the necklace, and Victor says, finally; that’s more like it. He whips out his jeweler’s loupe and checks it out, saying, to think they could have done this together, father and son. Instead, he’s had to choose another heir to carry on the Cassadine name. Valentin’s betrayal broke his heart, so he thinks it’s only fair he return the favor. He shoots Anna, who slumps to the floor.

The audience applauds the magic act, even though Obrecht disappeared and never came back. Molly says, Georgie and James were so adorable, but where did Obrecht go?

Esme watches the Nurses Ball at Laura’s apartment, bouncing Ace on her knee.

Backstage, Nina asks Maxie where Georgie and James are, and Maxie says, in the dressing room. Georgie is trying to figure out what went wrong, and James keeps insisting magic is real. Nina asks, what happened? Did Aunt Liesl get stuck or something? Maxie says, that’s the mystery. Liesl vanished from the vanishing cabinet.

Bobbie tells the audience not to go anywhere. The next act is the act they’ve all been waiting for, and they don’t want to miss it. The audience applauds, and the bracelet bodyguard asks Sasha where Gladys is. Sasha says, she was here a second ago. Maybe she went to the ladies room? We see Gladys sneaking around backstage, sans bracelet.

Josslyn asks if Trina is still upset that Spencer talked to Dex like that, and Trina says, Josslyn was pretty annoyed with him too. Josslyn says she’s still furious, but she’s not dating him.

Sam says, Spencer is brooding at the bar. Is he just being a Cassadine, or did something actually happen? He says he blew it with Trina – again.

Gladys comes back to the ballroom, and Sasha says, the bodyguard was looking for her. Gladys wonders if a lady can’t powder her nose in peace, when Sasha asks, where’s the bracelet?

Victor leaves with his goons, and Valentin runs to Anna. She tells him to go after Victor.

Gladys says, a bazillion dollar piece of jewelry has just been stolen, but Sasha says, it probably just fell off. Look around. The bodyguard comes back while they’re looking, and asks, what’s wrong? Where’s the bracelet? Gladys says, that’s what she’s trying to tell Sasha; somebody stole it. Sasha says, maybe it’s just missing. Maybe the clasp broke. The bodyguard asks, when was the last time she thought she had it? and Gladys flashes back to putting it in Cody’s tux pocket backstage. She says she doesn’t remember, and just prays they find it soon.

Trina tells Josslyn, it’s not just the way Spencer spoke to Dex. It’s like he went out of his way to pick a fight. Josslyn says, maybe he’s just being an entitled jerk. He’s overcompensating for his own insecurities by lording his imaginary status over those who actually work for a living. Trina says, but he wanted to do better. She really believes that. Spencer was lashing out, and Dex was the nearest target. Something’s going on with him. Josslyn says, like what? and Trina says she doesn’t know, but she’s going to find out. She’s not letting Spencer hide this from her anymore.

Obviously in pain, Anna struggles to breathe. She tells Valentin, if his father gets away, they’ll never find him, but Valentin says he’s got to get her to a hospital. He calls 9-1-1.

Walking into the Haunted Star, Victor tells Watkins, that was nice work with Miss Devane. Watkins provided just enough incentive to get his son to talk. Watkins says, it’s Victor’s new strategy, and Victor says, and an effective one, if he does say so himself. He asks if Watkins has followed up on Holly Sutton, and Watkins says, she’s still listed as a patient in the Swiss burn unit, but she’s not there. She doesn’t have a room, she’s not being treated. There’s no patient there matching her description, so she’s not using an alias. Victor says, all the more proof that fire was a ruse. Miss Sutton has been looking for her son when she should have been recovering. Watkins asks if Victor wants them to move him, and Victor says, in a manner of speaking. It’s time to offload Ethan Lovett… at a profit. Victor’s phone rings, and he says, when it rains… taking it out of his pocket. He asks if they’ve found Lucy Coe… He wants her home, the PCPD, and the MetroCourt under constant surveillance. That’s probably where she’s going to run to. She’s one of their remaining loose ends – he messes with the necklace as he talks – he needs to have tied up, now that he has everything he wants.

Gladys wonders who would steal the bracelet, and at a charity even no less, but Sasha suggests Gladys retrace her steps. Did she leave the ballroom, other than going to the bathroom? Gladys says, she’s been here the whole… wait… she went backstage to tell Maxie what a great job she’s doing. The bodyguard asks if she talked to anyone else when she went backstage, and Gladys says, now that he mentions it, she did see Cody Bell.

From the stage, Maxie asks for everyone’s attention. They have another anniversary to celebrate. Ten years ago today, at the 2013 Nurses Ball, there was a performance that not only brought down the house, it set this place on fire. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen them, but they are now back. She’s so happy to introduce The Magic Wands. The Magic Wands, including Milo, and is that Yuri? dance to Devil in Disguise, going out into the audience and back, and ending with showing the audience Nurses Ball 2023 on their behinds. The dancing is pretty good, with some unknown dudes doing a lot of flips and old school break dancing.

Backstage, Maxie tells Milo, once again, he blew the room away. He says, the guys were really good, but she says, every football team needs a quarterback, and every heart-stopping, jaw dropping all male review needs a centerpiece, and that’s obviously him. Some little girl runs through, nearly colliding with them, and Milo says, break a leg. She looks at him, and he says, that means good luck. She gives him a thumbs up. I can see no conceivable reason for this scene, so I’m wondering, who is this kid related to? Maxie says, her performance is going to be darling, which reminds her, she has to tend to the performers. She thanks Milo for coming, and he thanks her for having him. He leaves, and she says, now if she could only find Liesl. Nina walks in, and Maxie asks if she’s seen Liesl. Nina says, no, and this is ridiculous. She knows she has a bone marrow harvest tomorrow.

Laura comes home, and asks if the Nurses Ball is still on. Is Esme enjoying the show? Esme says, there’s certainly a lot of local talent on display. She asks if it happens every year, and Laura says, almost. She loves how their community comes together to raise money for a good cause. Esme says, it certainly seems like everybody… yes, and Laura says, Ace looks a little bit tired. She reaches for him, and Esme says, don’t touch him.

Sonny comes backstage, and Nina tells him that they can’t find Obrecht. Maxie says, they questioned Georgie, James, the stage managers, but everybody says the same thing. Liesl stepped inside the disappearing cabinet, and never stepped out. Sonny asks how it works, and as he looks it over, Maxie says, there’s a false back that the assistant hides behind to disappear. Then they slide back to reappear. He says, there’s a trapdoor at the bottom? Is there a trap door on the stage? Nina says she’s not sure, and Maxie says she’ll text the stage manager. Nina says, maybe she fell through the trap door. Aunt Liesl could be hurt. They all walk out.

Spencer asks Trina to tell him that he hasn’t screwed up the best thing that’s happened to him. Can they talk please? She says, okay. Tell her, what is going on with him?

Felicia fans herself, and Robert asks what she thought of Magic Milo. Mac says, those Magic Wands have her all flustered, and she says she’s not apologizing for enjoying the act, but the one who always gets her flustered is her Mac. Robert says his brother’s a very fortunate man, and Mac says, doesn’t he know it.

TJ comes back to the table after getting out of his Magic Wand skivvies, and Molly says, he was so good. He says, the things he does for charity, and she says, what about her sacrifice? She had to share him with a ballroom of thirsty women. He says, okay, the things she does for charity, and they kiss.

The bodyguard says, the bracelet’s been found, and Gladys asks, where was it? The bodyguard says, one of the people in wardrobe found it when she was moving some clothes. It fell out of a tux pocket. Gladys says she told them it was stolen, and Sasha says she can’t believe someone would actually do this. Who was it? Cody comes in and asks if anyone’s seen his… What’s going on?

Victor’s messenger, now dressed in sweats, comes onto the Haunted Star, and tells Victor, everything went fine on his end. Victor says, excellent. Now he wants messenger guy to check the state rooms; make sure they’re appropriately prepared for their guests. He asks if Tobias is back, but messenger guy says, there’s been a complication.

Valentin tells Anna, please stay awake, and she says, if anything happens… He says, nothing is going to happen, but she says she’s glad they found each other. He says he doesn’t know how he got so lucky, and she says, he’s a good man. He says he doesn’t know about that. He thinks there are plenty who would disagree with her. She says, they don’t know him like she does. They don’t know his heart like she does. He says, she knows him better than anyone, and she says she loves him. He says, and he loves her, and he hears the sirens in the distance. She starts to fade, and he calls her name.

Esme says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to snap at Laura like that. Laura says, that’s okay. Esme knows she’d never hurt the baby, right? Esme says, of course (🍷) she knows that. Did Laura ever hate leaving her kids out of her sight for even a second? Laura says she has, and Esme says she feels like everyone is making some claim on Ace, and he’s all she’s got. Laura says she understands, but babies pick up on the emotions of people around them. How does Esme think her constant anxiety is going to affect him? Esme says she’d never hurt her son, and Laura says she knows that; that’s not what she meant. Laura’s phone rings, and she says she has to get this. She answers, Laura Collins…  Oh my God… Where is she?… Okay, she’ll be right there. She tells Esme that she’s sorry, but she has to go right now. They’ll talk later. She rushes out.

Spencer says he’s sorry about what happened with Dex, and Trina says, sorry because he treated Dex like dirt, or sorry because she’s disappointed? He says he’s sorry he upset her. That’s the last thing he wants to do. She says, he does know that’s the wrong answer, and he says, Dex is not a good guy. Whatever is going on with him and Josslyn… She says, is none of his business. He says, Cam is his best friend, so it is his business, but she says, Cam is in California, living his dream, and that is not the reason he went after Dex. Spencer was spoiling for a fight, and Dex was there. And Spencer knew Dex works for his uncle and wasn’t going to fight back. That is the definition of a coward. He says, she’s right. He’s sorry. He’s trying to do better. She asks if he means that, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. She says, good. Apologize to Dex. His phone rings, and he sees it’s Victor. She asks if he’s really going to answer the phone right now.

Robert’s phone rings, and he says he’ll meet them at the hospital.

The bodyguard asks if that’s Cody Bell, and Gladys says, that’s him. Cody says, or the guy could just ask him, and the bodyguard asks if this is his jacket. Cody says, all tuxes look the same, and the bodyguard asks, so where’s Cody’s? Cody says, it went missing when he was on stage, so it may or may not be his. What’s going on? Sasha asks, did he maybe find a bracelet on the floor, and put it in his pocket for safekeeping so he could return it later? Cody says, no, and the bodyguard asks, then why was it found in his pocket? Gladys says, because he stole it, but Cody says, if it was in his pocket, it’s because someone else put it there. Maxie blows through, and asks them to take this conversation elsewhere. She’s trying to put on a show. Sasha says she’s sure they can clear this up, but Cody says, there’s nothing to clear up. He has nothing to do with the bracelet, but the bracelet’s back, so no harm no foul. He starts to walk away, but the bodyguard stops him, and Mac walks in. Mac asks, what’s going on here? and the bodyguard tells Mac, arrest this man.

Dex and Josslyn make eyes at each other, when Sonny calls Dex over. Dex asks, what’s up? and Sonny says, they have a problem.

Cody says this is a mistake, and the bodyguard says, a million-dollar bracelet was found in his jacket pocket. Cody says, but he didn’t steal it. Mac has to believe him. Mac says he’s just following the evidence, and Cody says, Sasha please. Gladys says, this guy’s been hanging around her all night, insinuating himself with her daughter-in-law. Following her, and apparently casing her so he could strike at the perfect moment. Does Cody deny following her in here? Cody says he doesn’t deny it, and Mac says, so he admits to following Gladys.

Trina says, they’re right in the middle of something, but Spencer says he’s sorry. It’s his Uncle Victor. He has to. He steps away, and says, yes, uncle? Victor says, it took him long enough, and Spencer says, sorry about that. Now’s not a good time. Victor says, it doesn’t matter. Does Spencer want to get his brother away from Esme? Spencer says, Victor knows he does, and Victor says, then come to the Haunted Star immediately, and tell no one.

Laura walks into the hospital, and asks Valentin, where’s Anna? He says, she’s in there, pointing, and Laura asks, what happened? He says, Victor shot Anna in the abdomen. Robert comes out of the elevator, and Valentin says, the bullet’s still inside of her. She coded in the ambulance – he starts to cry – but they were able to bring her back. Laura says, Anna is very strong; she will make it through this. Robert asks where Victor is now, but Valentin says he doesn’t know. He got away. Laura asks, what about Lucy? Where is she? Valentin says, she was able to get out of the house, but he doesn’t know where she is now.

Slipping into the Ball backstage area, Lucy says, if she can just find Mac and tell him that Victor found the safehouse. A muscley dude comes up behind her with a gun, and says, don’t move. She turns around, and muscle man says, if she screams, he’ll shoot her. She says she’d really rather he didn’t, and he says, good. Let’s go. She says, this is just a whole case of mistaken identity… Actually, it’s not, but she’s not a spy. She doesn’t know how to decode anything… He tries to grab her arm, and she says, one thing she does know how to do its this, and kneecaps him. He doubles over, holding his knee, and she runs.

Robert tells Laura, when Valentin called from the ambulance, he said Anna had been shot. Did he offer any other details? She says, Valentin didn’t call her; the hospital did. Robert says, when? He was under the impression Anna and Valentin arrived at the hospital… She says, right before her. She asks Valentin if Victor gave any clue as to what his next move might be, and Valentin says, he only said he’d chosen a new heir. Robert wonders what he meant by that, when the doctor comes out. Valentin asks, how’s Anna?

Accompanied by messenger guy, Spencer walks into the Haunted Star, and says, so this is where Victor is staying. Victor says, it suits his current needs. Did Spencer tell anyone he was coming here? Spencer says, no. He followed Victor’s instructions to the letter. So tell him, what’s happening with Ace? Is everything all right? Victor asks why it wouldn’t be, and Spencer says, when they spoke this afternoon, Victor told him to sit tight. Has something changed? Is there something Victor needs him to do?

Nina tells Sonny that Obrecht’s bag is still in the dressing room, her car is still in the garage, and no one’s seen her. Dex comes in, and says, no sign of Dr. Obrecht, and Nina says, she’s scheduled to have that stem cell transplant tomorrow. Willow cannot wait, and if Aunt Liesl is missing, or if she’s hurt somewhere… Sonny says, they’re going to find her Aunt Liesl, and everything’s going to be fine, and he holds Nina.

Mac says, so Cody admits to following Gladys tonight, and Cody says, yes, he followed her, but not to steal some bracelet. Mac asks what reason he’d have. How does Cody even know Gladys? Cody says he and Gladys have crossed paths a few times, and Gladys says, there’s no big mystery here. Cody saw that bracelet on her wrist, and thought it was an easy payday. Mac asks if Cody has anything else to say, and Cody says, he didn’t steal the bracelet. He guarantees his fingerprints aren’t on it. Gladys says, that doesn’t prove anything. You can wipe off fingerprints, and I oughtta know. Mac puts handcuffs on Cody, and tells him his rights.

Jordan says she knows TJ and Molly are still in the trying stage, but can she probably expect a grandchild within the year? TJ says, they’re still in the seltzer solidarity stage. They have a long way to go. Jordan says, they’re two of the most efficient people she knows. It probably won’t take too long. Her phone rings, and she says, ugh. It’s the station. She steps away to take the call.

On the phone, Jordan says, Anna Devane’s at GH?

The doctor says, they’ve prepped Miss Devane for surgery to remove the bullet, and Robert asks, how bad? The doctor says, she’s critical, but they’re trying to keep her blood pressure up enough to affect her organs, including her brain. Gunshots can create considerable damage from the bullet fragmenting. They won’t know the extent of the damage until they’re inside, and can assess what they’re dealing with. He leaves, and Laura says she has to make a call. She goes down the hall, and says, come on, Esme, pick up.

Felicia runs into the hospital, and asks Valentin what the doctors said. Robert says, this is your fault, Cassadine. She wouldn’t be in this state if it wasn’t for you. Felicia says, stop it. Did Valentin shoot Anna or did Victor? Don’t take this out on Valentin. Valentin says, Robert’s right. Victor shot Anna to hurt him. This is all his fault.

Lucy tries a door on the next landing, but it’s locked. She squeals, and turns around, but muscle man is there, and says, it looks like she has nowhere to go. She says, he has great big muscles, and a tiny little gun… but she has this. She pulls down a boa from a costume box, and starts smacking him with it. As he’s dodging the feathers, Sonny comes up behind him, hitting him with a large cane. He drops, and Sonny says, a boa? Really? Lucy shrugs.

Mac asks if Cody understands his rights, and Cody says he always does. Mac starts to take him away, when Sam runs in, and asks, what’s going on? Cody says, it’s a frame-up. This time, he’s innocent. Mac leads him away, with the bodyguard following.

Carly takes the stage, introduces herself, and says she doesn’t work at GH, but her mother is an integral part of the hospital. She asks Bobbie to come out, and everyone cheers. Bobbie says, for the few who don’t know her, this is Barbara Jean Spencer; she’s nursing officer at General Hospital. More cheers, and Carly says, they’re not just celebrating General Hospital’s 60th year, they’re celebrating Bobbie. This beautiful woman has been helping people and saving their lives for the past 45 years. What makes General Hospital so special is its people; the passion and tradition of helping communities and making the world a better place. No one embodies that more than her mother, Nurse Bobbie Spencer. More applause and cheers, and Bobbie flashes back to when she was practically a baby nurse; telling Monica her cancer prognosis; giving BJ’s heart to Maxie – I remember that, and even though I had no investment in the storyline, it made me cry anyway; with Laura; giving Elizabeth the morning after pill when she was raped, even though she wasn’t authorized to do it; threatening to bitch slap Tracy to the Canadian border; making peace with Carly. Carly says, she is a consummate healer, infinitely kind and loyal to those she loves, and equally fierce to her adversaries. Carly should know; she’s been both. Bobbie found Carly when she was at her worst, and loved her until she was her best. And she’s not the only one.  That’s what she does to anyone whose life she touches. That’s what Nurse Bobbie Spencer does for General Hospital. Bobbie is given a standing ovation.

Sonny asks if Lucy is okay, and she says she’s not dead. He says he can see that. Good for her. She says, thanks to him, and he says he does what he can. How can he help her? He holds out his hand, and she steps over muscle man. She tells Sonny that she has this really important errand, but what does she do with… She looks at muscle man, and Sonny says he’ll take care of it. She thanks him, kisses him on the cheek, says, ta! and dashes out.

Victor says, Spencer’s already done his part. He called on Spencer, and voila! Here he is. Spencer says, so now… what? He hears something, and asks, what’s that? Victor asks if he doesn’t recognize the sound of ship’s engines, and Spencer asks, what’s going on?

Laura sees a pacifier in the hallway outside her apartment, and picks it up. She lets herself in, and the place has been tossed. Esme lies unconscious on the floor, and there’s no Ace. Laura says, oh my God.

Jordan says, she was told Valentin died in Paris, and Valentin says, the reports of his death are… exaggerated. She says, clearly. Here he is. Meanwhile, she has reports of multiple shots fired at a house in a quiet suburban neighborhood, and now one of her best friends is fighting for her life. So why doesn’t he tell her what the hell is going on. He says his father shot Anna, and she asks, where is Victor? Valentin says he doesn’t know, but he does know, whatever insane plot Victor is hatching is going to be unleashed on them very soon. They have to stop him.

Bobbie thanks Carly for the beautiful and unexpected tribute. It’s an honor. And it’s also an honor to be involved with General Hospital’s first 60 years. She’s also been given another honor this evening; the chance to speak about Lucy Coe. The curtains part, and there’s a giant photo of Lucy. Bobbie says, it might seem counterintuitive that she’s up here, because she and Lucy were never friends. She and Lucy were tearing each other’s hair out – Lucy arrives backstage, and listens – long before the word frenemies was even invented. Lucy came to town dressed as a librarian, and seduced the man Bobbie loved. That was only the beginning. Lucy lied. Lucy cheated. She even married a Quartermaine. Backstage, Lucy says, Bobbie’s one to talk. She started off by lying to Laura that she slept with Scotty. Lucy heads up the stairs to the stage, and Bobbie says, somewhere along the way, in 1994 to be exact, Lucy shocked everyone, especially her, by discovering a passion for giving. Lucy finagled herself a place as Mistress of Ceremonies at the very first Nurses Ball, and it transformed her. All of that willfulness, all of that guile, the conniving, the deceit, the vanity… In the wings, Lucy says, vanity? Bobbie’s red hair hasn’t been natural for a hundred years. Bobbie says, Lucy cajoled, she arm twisted, she blackmailed to get all of them there, either onstage or in the audience the first year, and many years thereafter. From 1994 to the early 2000s, and 2013 to the present, the General Hospital Nurses Ball has raised millions of dollars for HIV and AIDS related charities. She turns to the photo, and says, and Lucy Coe was the leader, the inspiration, and yes, the relentless nag that made it all happen. Lucy Coe isn’t here tonight, but none of us would be here… Lucy stomps toward the stage, but slips on something on the floor, and busts right through her photo, faceplanting. Everyone is shocked, and Lucy gets up. She says, what the hell did Bobbie call her? Bobbie says, she’s alive, and Lucy says she’s back. Deal with it. Bobbie says, welcome home, and moves to hug Lucy, but Lucy backs away. The audience gives Lucy a standing ovation, which is only fair.

On Monday, Portia thinks something wasn’t such a great idea; Victor says he’s not abducting Spencer, he’s saving Spencer; and Carly asks Nina where the hell Obrecht is.

✈️ From Across the Pond…

She took a big step, but we only regret the things we don’t do. Or so  they say.

🚓 At Least He’s Honest…

I wouldn’t want to be a patient at the hospital either. The security there leaves a lot to be desired.

👠 Really, We’re Good…

This sounds like as good of an explanation as any.

So, are we good?

⛵️ Green Is Not His Color…

Gary wouldn’t have been just a step down from Colin. More like several stories.

🏖 Desire To Be Awful…

Actually, it remains to be seen whether this show will rival the Hamptons in immaturity, but I trust nothing after seeing a 40-year-old in a mullet.

🍸 Don’t Leave Home Without It…

Reunion prep.

I don’t know about must see. I doubt it will get the show any new viewers, but for those already watching, it adds a fresh level of interest.

https://www.avclub.com/scandoval-has-made-vanderpump-rules-must-see-tv-1850280936

And how is LVP friends with this guy?

https://www.aol.com/entertainment/steve-o-calls-scandoval-greatest-215315189.html

Schwartz’s word salad.

https://jezebel.com/andy-cohen-tom-schwartz-tom-sandoval-raquel-leviss-scan-1850306803

🦩 And In This Corner…

What more do we need when we have pets and Barbie?

https://people.com/pets/drew-barrymore-loves-7-pets-4-cats-exclusive/

I so can’t wait for this film.

https://ew.com/movies/dua-lipa-joins-barbie-movie-posters/

🐣 Quotes of the Week

You have the need and the right to spend part of your life caring for your soul. It is not easy…To be a soulful person means to go against all the pervasive, prove-yourself values of our culture and instead treasure what is unique and internal and valuable in yourself and your own personal evolution. – Jean Shinoda Bolen

For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the sheltered will never know. –Wise Man (Scott Glenn), Sucker Punch

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. – Robert Louis Stevenson

On Love: Even while we kill and punish we must try to feel about the enemy as we feel about ourselves—to wish that he were not bad, to hope that he may, in this world or another, be cured: in fact, to wish his good. That is what is meant in the Bible by loving him: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him nor saying he is nice when he is not. – C.S. Lewis, from Mere Christianity

A river cuts through a rock not because of its power but its persistence. – Jim Watkins

Accept me, Lord, as I am, and make me such as thou wouldst have me to be. – Mary Livingstone, African missionary

Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes. – Oscar Wilde

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.Arthur Ashe

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. – Marcus Aurelius

A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer. – Bruce Lee

Though force can protect in emergency, only justice, fairness, consideration, and cooperation can finally lead men to the dawn of eternal peace. – Dwight D. Eisenhower

🐇 Hippity Hopping Down the Bunny Trail…

A Happy Holiday to all celebrating both Passover and Easter (aka Resurrection Sunday). After the festivities, stop in on Monday really Tuesday for soap, setting sail, and the original awful Housemates. Until then, stay safe; stay taking a spring break, even if it’s only in your mind; and stay never overcompensating for your insecurities by lording your imaginary status over those who actually work for a living. In other words, don’t be an entitled jerk.

April 6, 2023 – Victor Demands the Real Necklace, Extras, Why She’s Back, Billboard, Emmy News, Jersey Mess, VanderBacklash, Admission, Pets (!) & Someone

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Valentin runs back into the safehouse, and tells Lucy and Anna to get down. Another shot is fired through the window.

Linc tells Josslyn that she was born to be a performer. She just needs the right person to guide her. Brook stomps over, and pretends to bump into Linc, spilling her drink all over him.

Mac says, Maxie and Bobbie are doing a fantastic job. The show is going off without a hitch. Bobbie says, the trick is to make it look effortless, which Maxie is doing effortlessly. Good thing no one knows what goes on behind the scenes. Felicia can’t wait for the big act coming up, but Maxie says, there are a lot of great ones before that. Which reminds her, she has to check on them. She excuses herself, and Felicia says, Maxie was younger than Georgie at the first Nurses Ball. Now look at her; she’s running the show. Bobbie says, time sure flies, doesn’t it? One thing she knows for sure, if the Nurses Ball could have all of its unexpected acts happen, including Mac’s surprise acts over the years, it could handle anything. Felicia says she remembers her first performance. She was absolutely petrified. Everything was a big blur. We get a little flashback of Felicia in a clown costume, and she says, when it was over, one thing she knew for sure; she was better off in the audience. Mac says, he remembers being furious at Robin and Stone’s Romeo and Juliet scene. He was so mad at Doc and the kids, his stand-up became a tirade. Felicia says, they can laugh about it now, and Bobbie says, what about her act? At least their situation with Robin didn’t end up in an out-and-out brawl. Mac says, they had no idea what the Nurses Ball would come to mean to Robin, and the whole community. Bobbie says, with all of its traditions and the loved ones lost, she’s really proud of what they started in those days. And she’s even more proud of continuing it on tonight.

Brook tells Linc she’s so sorry, and stomps on his foot as she tries to wipe him off. She says, Josslyn’s mother is looking for her, and Josslyn asks if Brook is okay. Brook says she’s fine. She and Linc have some business to discuss. Josslyn leaves, and Linc grabs Brook’s arm, asking, what the hell was that?

Valentin sets up the coffee table as a barricade, and tells Lucy and Anna, the house is surrounded, front and back. Lucy says, they’re trapped, but Anna tells her to remember the window she climbed out of, and Lucy says, right. They can all go out that way. Valentin tells them to leave now, but Anna says, no, and Lucy says she’s not leaving Anna. Anna tells her, go, and Lucy says, all right. She’ll get help. She slips into the back, and Valentin says, it’s Anna’s last chance to get out, but she says she’s not leaving him. He says, they’re going to be in here any minute, and she says, they won’t like what the find. Victor’s goons bust through the front door. Shots are fired back and forth.

Cody gives Sasha a glass of champagne, and she thanks him, but says, he really doesn’t have to wait on her. He says, it gives him a chance to escape the muckety-mucks and an excuse to talk with her, but she says, they’re not all muckety-mucks, and he never needs an excuse to talk to her. He says, good to know, and asks how things are with Gladys. She says she’s not sure what he means. He spoke to Gladys earlier; she seemed fine. He says, Gladys is having a great time. He was talking about her. When Gladys sold her husband’s garage, Sasha was pretty upset. She says, actually, it still bothers her, but Gladys had good reasons. Gladys walks in, and Sasha says, it had to be a painful reminder for Gladys to deal with that every day; paperwork, constantly seeing Brando’s name… She sold it to give them both closure. He asks if Gladys even went over the details of the sale with her. Does she know who the new owner is? Sasha says, actually, she doesn’t think so. Why is he…? Gladys comes over, and says she wondered where Sasha disappeared to.

Anna and Valentin are on their knees with their hands up, Victor’s men behind them, and Watkins comes in, saying, clear. Victor walks in, and says, Valentin, you’re alive. The question is, for how long?

Gladys looks at the bracelet on her wrist, and says she must be the luckiest mother-in-law in the world. Sasha thanks her, and says she loves seeing Gladys enjoying herself. Gladys says she almost forgot. Dante was asking for Cody; it sounded important. Cody thanks her, and says he’ll go check it out. He leaves, and Gladys looks at Sasha, who says, what? Gladys asks if she’s all right, and Sasha asks why she wouldn’t be. Gladys says, that Cody fella. She’s heard things about him. He’s not a reliable character.

Jordan asks if Mac has time to talk shop, and he says, about the late Deputy Mayor? She says, yeah. She got a call on the red carpet. The preliminary autopsy indicates there was no air in her lungs. Eileen Ashby didn’t drown. She was killed by a fall. He says, so she either jumped, she slipped, or… Jordan says, they pushed her. He says, they need to check her known associates, and Jordan says, start with Victor Cassadine.

Linc says, what Brook did just now, interrupting him when he was recruiting new talent… comes perilously close to violating their agreement. I don’t know how he figures that, but okay. Brook says she mentioned nothing to Josslyn about him being a sleazebag, and he says he paid well for her silence. She got her songs back. Sometimes he thinks he overpaid; those songs were good. Who would believe what she had to say about him anyway? He’s going to track down Josslyn Jax. I wonder why Brook didn’t mention that Sonny’s her stepfather.

Cody sits with Sam and Dante, and asks if he’s told Sam how beautiful she looks. She thanks him, and says, he looks handsome himself. He thanks her, and asks why Dante needed to see him. Dante asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, Gladys Corbin said Dante was looking for him. Dante says he tries to avoid Gladys as much as possible. You know. The whole not being able to choose your relatives thing. Sam asks if Gladys really said Dante was looking for Cody, and Cody says, I kid you not. Sam wonders why she’d do something like that.

Portia asks if she can sit with Elizabeth and Finn, and Elizabeth asks if everything is okay. Portia says, Trina’s having such a good time. It’s all she can do not to go over and talk to her, but she doesn’t want to put a damper on Trina’s evening. Elizabeth says, it’s not always going to be like this, and Portia says, that’s what she keeps telling herself. Finn says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he and his dad were estranged for a lot of years, but his dad never gave up on him. And he doesn’t think it’s going to take Trina nearly as long to realize she needs Portia.

Deanna takes the stage, and introduces herself. She says, tonight, she has the pleasure of introducing a phenomenal talent. This amazing artist was already established and accomplished in her career as a public defender. She stepped out of her comfort zone to pursue her dream of touching people with her God given talent, and they should all be grateful she did. She asks everyone to welcome, Danielle Ponder. Danielle comes out and sings Someone Like You. Luckily, she has her own band and doesn’t have to rely on the invisible musicians and back-up singers that everyone else does. She’s good. Macy Gray-ish. I also love the dress she’s wearing.

Victor asks if there’s any sign of Lucy, but Watkins says, no. There’s an open bedroom window. Victor says, so the bird has flown. No matter. He’ll deal with that later. Valentin says, he wasn’t exactly subtle taking the house. Someone from the neighborhood will have contacted law enforcement. He’s sure they’re on their way. Victor says, is that so? and Valentin says, it’s the suburbs. If Victor doesn’t want a lengthy gun battle with the police, he thinks Victor should probably leave. Victor asks if Valentin thinks he’s just going to turn around and walk away after going through all this trouble to track Valentin and Anna down. He’s not going anywhere until he gets what he came for, and Valentin is going to give it to him.

Backstage, Maxie thanks Danielle for performing, and Danielle says, the Nurses Ball does important work, and she’s happy to lend her voice to the cause. Maxie says, she did more than lend her voice; she blew everyone away. They’d still be applauding if the curtains hadn’t closed.  Carly runs in, and shakes Danielle’s hand, introducing herself. She says her mom is Maxie’s co-chair, and she shamelessly used her connections to come back and meet her. She was so amazing. Of course (🍷) for her incredible voice and lyrics, but just as much for leaving her law career and following her dream. How did she have the courage to do that? Danielle says, it got to the point where she knew she couldn’t do both, and she couldn’t leave behind music, so she completely surrendered. Carly says, she followed her instincts, and Danielle says, it sounds like Carly knows something about that. Maxie says, Carly is kind of known for following her instincts… no matter where they lead. Carly says she’s never regretted it, and Danielle says, neither has she. They high-five.

Gladys says, apparently, Cody was dating Dr. Britt Westbourne, the late, may she rest, and Sasha says she knows that. Gladys says, but she overheard Maxie saying that Britt found out he was no good, and broke things off; something to do with a necklace. She doesn’t know the details, but it concerns her. Sasha is just getting her life back on track. She’d hate to see it derail by somebody trying to work her for her money.

Dex asks for a shot of tequila at the bar, and ever putting his nose where it doesn’t belong, Spencer asks if his uncle knows Dex is drinking on the job. Dex says he doesn’t know. Maybe Spencer should run and tell him. Spencer says, Dex is here to work, not suck down tequila shots and pretend he belongs. Ugh. I hate when Spencer does this stuff. Dex says he’s got a ticket like everybody else, when Trina and Josslyn walk in. Spencer says, a ticket his Uncle Sonny bought Dex. He’s an employee, so how about if he gets back to work? Trina asks Spencer what he’s doing.

Bobbie is checking things off a list backstage, when Sonny comes in, and says, the Ball’s going great. She asks if he needs something, and he says he was thinking about starting up an Epiphany Johnson scholarship fund for the nursing students, so he wanted to add to his donation in the name of Stone Cates. He gives her an envelope, and she looks at the check inside. She says she’s never been okay with the way he treated her daughter, but he’s always been very generous when it comes the to the Nurses Ball. And the way he took care of Stone was nothing short of heroic. He says, Stone was a special person. They did everything they could for Stone, and when Stone lost his fight with AIDS, Sonny vowed to continue in his memory. Giving the Nurses Ball donation for AIDS/HIV research is the least he can do. She says, damn him. He has his moments, and this is definitely one of them. He laughs, giving us dimples, and she says, Stone would be very proud of him.

Victor says, he wants the Ice Princess necklace; the real one. Valentin says, last he heard, it was destroyed by fire, and Victor says, this is Valentin’s very last chance. He wasn’t able to claim Valentin as a child, but he watched over Valentin all along, smoothing the way for him. He’s the one who got Valentin into the WSB. That turned out to be a bad mistake, since that’s when Valentin first became fixated with Miss Devane. Valentin says he proved himself worthy of the WSB on his own merit, and Victor says he’s sure Valentin would like to believe so, and it’s true, Valentin was a brilliant analyst. But this life he’s so proud of building for himself was built with Victor’s influence. Valentin did nothing without his help. So imagine his disappointment after stepping forward to claim Valentin, after acknowledging Valentin as his child, Valentin rejecting him. Valentin lied, he manipulated Victor, he sided with Victor’s enemies. Valentin even faked his own death, for God’s sake. Victor spent weeks arguing with French bureaucrats trying to claim Valentin’s body. Weeks consumed with guilt, mourning his son, who wasn’t even dead. He should kill Valentin right now and be done with it. But he won’t. He’ll give Valentin one more chance to redeem himself, to step up as a Cassadine. Do what’s right for his family, and give him the necklace.

Dex says, if they’ll excuse him, he’s due backstage. He leaves, and Trina asks Spencer, what was that, calling Dex an employee? Spencer says, that’s what he is. He’s supposed to be protecting Spencer’s Uncle Sonny, not drinking tequila shots. Trina tells him, stop. She can’t believe this. He says, listen… but she says, you listen. She hates when he acts like this (we high-five in my head); like some ugly, entitled jerk, lording his privilege around. She thought he was done doing that. She guesses she was wrong. She hates that she’s always wrong about him. She flounces out, and Spencer says, wait. Josslyn says, nice work, Spencer. Once again, he’s hurt Trina. He says, like she does with Cam, and she says, like he’s in any position to judge. Ever since he got back to Port Charles – bringing the lovely Esme with him – he’s caused nothing but misery. Why doesn’t he do them all a favor, especially Trina, and go back to Europe and stay there.

Dex asks how Dante’s table is doing, and Dante suggests he pull up a chair. Dex thanks him, but says he can’t. He tells Cody, it’s time, and Jordan asks, time for what? Cody says, she’ll see, and leaves with Dex. Gladys fingers the bracelet.

Finn tells Elizabeth to wish him luck, and she asks why he needs it. he says, let’s just say, there are things you’d do for your family that you wouldn’t do for anyone else. He goes onto the stage, and Maxie gives him the mic. He says, when he joined the staff at GH seven years ago, he was amazed at the way the city of Port Charles shows up for the hospital, the way they’re all showing up tonight. He says, one of their next two performers is very dear to his heart, and asks them to welcome to the stage, Harrison Chase and the fabulous Blaze. Blaze and Chase sing a song that the closed captions say is Arrest Me, but I think they might be screwing with me, since that phrase isn’t in the lyrics. It’s good, but nothing will ever beat Chase’s rendition of Feel it Still.

Everyone cheers, and Blaze says, their new single drops Wednesday. Don’t forget to download it. Linc grabs a microphone, and says, weren’t they great? He puts his arm around Blaze, and kisses her cheek. Brook runs up on stage, and tells him to get his hands off of Blaze, calling him a disgusting creep.

Valentin says, Victor has been very upfront about his life and accomplishments. Does Victor mind if he returns the favor? Victor says he’d rather Valentin return the necklace, but Valentin says, it was never Victor’s necklace. Victor says, he is head of the Cassadine family. The Ice Princess, by rights, belongs to their family. Valentin says, Victor has a tendency to equate his megalomania with the family. Whatever his grand plan, no other Cassadine cares. Not Spencer, not Nikolas – wherever he is – not Alexis or her daughters. And certainly not him. This is just a giant waste of time. He doesn’t have the necklace. Victor says, Valentin is going to make things difficult. He’d have expected nothing less. He has to admit, he’s going to enjoy the next part. Watkins grabs Anna, lifting her up by her neck, while one of Victor’s goons holds back Valentin. Victor says, unless Valentin gives him the necklace, Watkins will break the lovely Anna’s neck, and leaves her paralyzed. Valentin says he doesn’t have the damn necklace, and Anna gasps, Valentin… no… necklace… Victor says he thought of killing Anna, then he thought, what is the fun in that? He wonders how long Anna’s boyfriend will go on loving her when she can no longer stand. Wow. He doesn’t give Valentin much credit for being a decent human.

Brook says, this man deserves no credit for Chase and Blaze’s appearance here tonight, nor for their talent. He calls himself a manager; he’s a parasite. Linc tells her to watch herself, and she says, he latches himself onto young talent and exploits them, both financially and sexually. Ned gets up, but Olivia holds him back. Brook says, Linc told her that he’d kill her career if she didn’t sleep with him, which he tried to do. He held all her songs, and the only way she could get them back was to sign a non-disclosure agreement. But she’s breaking that agreement here tonight. She refuses to remain silent about whom and what Linc Brown is – a sexual predator. Linc snatches the mic back, and says, these are obvious lies. No one will corroborate a word.

A man tells Spencer that he’s here to deliver a message. His uncle will be contacting him soon. Be ready when he does, and do as he’s told. The man leaves.

Linc says, Brook could have been a star, but now she’s just a jealous has-been, making up stories to try and keep herself relevant. Maxie says, it’s time to clear the stage, but Blaze grabs the mic, and says, she’s not lying. Everything Brook said has happened to her. She cries, and says, Linc Brown is a predator, and he’s been holding her career hostage. Gladys slips out, and Blaze says, but she didn’t sign a non-disclosure agreement, and she’s going on the record tonight. Linc says, don’t get caught up in her hysteria, and Blaze says, go to hell. Chase puts his hand on Linc’s arm, and says, it’s time to clear the stage, but Linc shakes him off, saying, Chase isn’t a cop anymore. Dante says he’s a cop – he walks up on stage – and Linc is creating a public disturbance. Let’s go. He takes Linc’s arm, and walks Linc out to applause. Ned stands up as Dante goes past, and Chase looks at Brook.

Spencer comes back, and sits with Sonny. On stage, Nina says, it’s a great night, isn’t it? She thanks them for being here, and says, as co-owner of the MetroCourt – Carly and Olivia roll eyes at each other – she’s happy to be able to be able to use this ballroom for a worthy cause. It also affords her the privilege of announcing the next two performers. Please welcome to the stage, Georgie Spinelli, James West, and their oma, Liesl. Obrecht comes out with James and Georgie, and Georgie says, ladies and gentlemen, tonight you’ve seen singers and dancers… James says, llamas, and Georgie says, and now it’s time for some real magic. Tonight, with the help of their incredible assistant… James says, they’ll perform wizardry to surprise and delight them. Georgie says, now for their first illusion, and Obrecht picks up a large tube. James says, they have an empty tube, and puts his hand through it. They can see there’s nothing inside or outside. But they add a little bit of magic… He and Georgie touch the tube with their wands, and he pulls out a long strip of material in different colors, which I suspect is coming from Obrecht’s sleeve. There’s applause, and Obrecht drapes it around her neck. James says, for their next illusion, they’ll make water disappear. Obrecht wheels over a cart with a pitcher and two Solo cups on it. Georgie says, they have a pitcher of water; nothing unusual. She pours some water into one of the cups, and says, before they make the water disappear, what’s Obrecht’s favorite color? Obrecht looks at the colors around her neck, and says, blue. Georgie tells James, a little magic please, and he taps the cup with his wand. She pours the water into the other cup, and it’s blue. James says, now to make the water disappear. They need some more magic. Georgie taps the second cup, he turns it over, and it’s empty. The audience applauds, and they bow. Georgie says, for their next illusion, they will make their assistant disappear. Obrecht feigns surprise, and wheels over a large cabinet. Georgie opens it, and Obrecht gets in, waving to the audience as the door closes.

Gladys sneaks around backstage, and ducks behind the costumes. Walking past, Dex says, he’s seen combat, but this seems scarier, and Cody says he’s fallen off a bull and a whole bunch of stupid other stuff. When they’re gone, Gladys finds a hanger with Cody’s name on it, and slips the bracelet into his jacket pocket.

Georgie opens the cabinet, and it’s empty. James says, now they will bring their assistant back. Georgie closes the door again, and James taps on the cabinet with his wand. Georgie opens the cabinet, but all that’s there is the material from the first magic trick. Everyone laughs because they think the kids just messed up the act.

Obrecht lies in the trunk of a car, out cold. Victor’s messenger closes the trunk, and walks away.

Valentin comes out with the necklace, and Victor says, finally. That’s more like it. He whips out his jeweler’s loupe, and checks it out. He says, release her, and Watkins lets go of Anna. Victor says he and Valentin could have done this together, father and son. Instead, he’s had to choose another heir to carry on the Cassadine name. Valentin’s betrayal broke his heart. So it’s only fair he returns the favor. He takes out a gun, and shoots Anna. Maybe.

Tomorrow, Bobbie says, the next act is the one they’ve all been waiting for; Victor says, make sure things are prepared for their guests; Trina tells Spencer, that’s the wrong answer; and Sasha asks where Gladys’s bracelet is.

💃🏾 Behind the Ball…

Amy with the behind the scenes gossip.

And all those sequins.

🕶 A Visit From Granny…

Ha-ha! Her hair in the 70s, or 80s, or whenever that was.

🗽 Fanatics For Sprina…

I would definitely stop and look at it, but not if I had to wait an hour.

🏆 Daytime’s Due…

June 16th, 9 pm ET, CBS. Be there or be a rectangle.

🤼‍♀️ What Happens In Jersey…

The main thing this clarifies is, there are awful people in New Jersey.

https://www.distractify.com/p/dolores-dina-manzo-feud-explained

🍸 Not a Day Goes By…

Buffoonery. I love it.

He had to see it in hindsight to know he handled it wrong?

🐔 Madder Than a Pissed On Chicken…

No doubt the insurance companies were involved as well, but I hope to see my Boat Daddy sail the seas again.

🐶 Squee Time…

Pets cuter than the celebrities who own them.

https://www.rover.com/blog/favorite-celebrity-pets/

🍶 Potent Potables For 200, Alex…

Take a break here tomorrow for some soap, the latest in tea, random quotes, and specific music. Until then, stay safe, stay leading by example, and stay following your instincts, wherever they may lead.

April 4, 2023 – How Dare They, Teresa Has a Meditation Moment, Drama Detail, A Pawn, CMA Stuff, Barbie, Over 90 & Taxi

Standard

What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Since this happened…

https://abc7ny.com/general-hospital-schedule-change-preempted-abc/13084825/

…let’s go directly to the awful.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

In Dolores’s interview, she says, Paulie is recovering well, but has a different idea of what a nurse should be, since he wants her to dress up in a hot nurse outfit. She tells him about her conversation with Frank at the luau, and how he took it personally that she didn’t stay at his house. Paul says, Frank needs to grow up. He and Dolores had a good relationship, but now it’s gone. In her interview, Dolores says, Paulie has a good relationship with his ex-wife, but she and Frank are closer. Paulie wonders if Frank realizes he made a mistake, but in her interview, Dolores says, Frank realized he made a mistake before he walked out the door. It’s about change, not a personal attachment. She tells Paulie that she’s having lunch with Jennifer, and we flash back to their whatever-it-is, and in Dolores’s interview, she says, it’s like being in a hamster wheel. She feels like enough time has passed, and they can have a real conversation. She tells Paulie that Jennifer needs to stay in her lane, and he says, meet Paterson Dolores. I’ve never been to Paterson, so I’m not sure exactly what that means. I assume it’s a tough, earrings off town.

I think Rachel should escape this show, and possibly New Jersey, immediately. In her interview, she says she’s a perfectionist. She comes from a corporate background, while her husband comes from the streets; that’s why she’s handling buying the school supplies. Why? Would he just give the kid a stick and a rock? She tells John that she wants another baby, but stepson Jaiden isn’t crazy about the idea. In Rachel’s interview, she says, Jaiden is going off to college in a few years, and it’s scary. She reminds John about wanting to adopt Jaiden, and he says, there’s a process they have to go through. Jaiden’s biological mother would still have to sign off, even though he has full custody, and he doesn’t feel like dealing with her. In her interview, Rachel says, her few interactions with Jaiden’s mother were uncomfortable since Rachel is parenting her child. To have to tell somebody’s birth mother about their kid’s life is sad. She knows the best thing is for his birth mother not to be in Jaiden’s life, and she wants to protect Jaiden and their family, so she feels like she’s earned the title. John suggests they sit with an attorney.

Dolores meets Jennifer, and it’s all how are you and you look cute. In Jennifer’s interview, she says she thought they were good friends, but didn’t receive their recent interactions that way. Fighting got her nowhere, so she can find another way forward or not be friends with Dolores. Dolores says, Paulie likes Jennifer, and felt bad when they were fighting, and Jennifer says, what broke the camel’s back last year, and made it hard, was Dolores becoming close with Marge. She felt like Dolores wasn’t defending her, and joining their ship. Little things bothered her. I double check, and Jennifer is 45; a little old for high school. Dolores tells Jennifer that she should have said something, and in her interview, Jennifer says she let her anger get the best of her, but she doesn’t want to keep fighting. Dolores suggests they call a truce, and promises to watch how she speaks to Jennifer in the future. In her interview, Dolores says, if Jennifer had told her instead of just getting angry, she would have curbed herself. Jennifer talks about raising the kids, and how Bill thinks therapy is unnecessary. She says, even when he’s home, he’s not home. When he does have free time, he’s still not choosing to spend it with the family. Dolores says, she and Frank weren’t married when she raised the kids, and lived separately, so it wasn’t an issue. In her interview, Dolores says she remembers hitting the breaking point. She was tired of catering to Frank, when he thought his job was more important than hers. Jennifer says she avoided Marge at the luau, and Dolores says, the fighting is getting bad amongst all of us. Jennifer says she knows a woman who reads Turkish coffee cups, and she was thinking of getting the girls together for a reading. She wants to invite everyone, but doesn’t want Marge at her house. Dolores suggests doing it at her house, since it’s neutral territory.

Melissa and Antonia go to the new house, where Joe #2 is working. In Melissa’s interview, she says she feels like she’s finally seeing what the house will look like. She’s sick of living in Disney princess houses, and she’s ready for something more sophisticated and classy… like her personality. She laughs. She suggests Joe send the molding back to 1999, where it belongs, but he tells her to let the builder build, and stick to fashion. She says she’s doing a pop-up at Envy for Danielle’s children’s line. She sees herself in Danielle, having little kids and wanting to get into business. If she can help, she wants to.

Danielle calls Teresa, who’s sick. Teresa says, her immune system is low from dealing with Melissa, and Danielle asks ,what happened at the luau after she left? Teresa says, it was terrible. Louie wanted Melissa’s mother’s phone number so he could invite her to the wedding, and Melissa refused to talk to him. I don’t think it went quite that way, but moving on. Teresa tells Danielle that Joe said she was miserable, and she said, he and Melissa were miserable, then Joe and Melissa left. Louie went out to talk to them, and came back crying. Louie always comes back crying. He and James Kennedy could have a cry-off. And I’m by no means making fun of anyone having feelings, but these two are drama kings. We see a clip of Louie bawling and saying, he feels Joe and Melissa’s pain, and it sucks. Teresa says she feels bad for Louie.

At the house, Melissa tells Joe that Marge said, Louie was sobbing after they left. Joe says, Louie only needs to fix one person – himself. He’s two-faced with that kumbaya stuff; it’s fake. Then it came out in the press that Teresa had a falling out with Dina. We see a headline about Dina’s husband having beef with Louie over business, and in his interview, Joe says, Dina’s husband David called him because they’re friends. It was Pizzagate, part two. Louie f***ed up another relationship in Teresa’s life. He tells Melissa, Louie says he wants everyone to be nice, but he needs to be real. He comes in like he’s God.

Theresa tells Danielle, that’s the only family she has, and they’re being mean to Louie. Louie needs to draw a line in the sand. Danielle says, Teresa has a built-in excuse not to go to the coffee reading, so she’ll bring Teresa’s feelings along with her own, and unleash for both of them. She tells Teresa, Rachel told Marge what she’d said, but she was only talking about what she heard other people say. Why was she the bad guy? Rachel was just as catty. It became her against Marge and Rachel. In Danielle’s interview, she says, she was bullied in high school because she was an athlete and hung out with the guys. The girls bullied her, and she has a lot of trauma from not being accepted (she’s 37, BTW). She tells Teresa that Rachel caused this and messed her up. Then the women were gossiping about her and her brother, saying there must be another side to the story. She doesn’t like to leave a situation, so it’s been bothering her. In her interview, she says she’s worked hard not to let people affect her, and she’s pissed that she let it. She’s not letting them get away with it. Teresa says, they’re all showing their true colors. I dunno. Is it me? Teresa whines that Joe is her only family, yet she continually bashes Joe and Melissa, and excludes them. Danielle decides to repeat something negative that may or may not be true about Marge, then gets pissed because it’s repeated to Marge. Is this Bizarro New Jersey?

Dolores tells the caterers, if things start going crazy, pretend it’s not happening, which is probably the best advice I’ve ever heard on this show. In Jennifer’s interview, she says, Angie saw N in her coffee reading, and Bill’s real name is Nebil. What better way to bring the women together than telling their futures? Jen walks into Dolores’s house, and in her interview, she says she’s trying not be jealous, but it’s Fifty Shades of Grey, and she’s desperate to find the red room. In Melissa’s interview, she says, Dolores is doing something right. Frank built her a house. David built her a house. Now she’s sitting pretty in this house. If they were playing Monopoly, Dolores would be winning. Melissa asks why Dolores and Jennifer are throwing a party together, and Dolores says she suggested a truce, and Jennifer wanted to have a party, but didn’t think everyone would come to her house. Yeah. That’s believable. In Marge’s interview, she says, she knows Dolores doesn’t want any negativity, but does she really like Jennifer? Does anybody really like Jennifer? They talk about Danielle leaving the luau, and in Jennifer’s interview, she says, if someone is in pain, she’s not going to play Inspector Gadget. My mind boggles. Maybe she has short term memory loss. Jennifer says she never would have wondered what Danielle did to deserve it, and Marge says, nobody thought that. Danielle shouldn’t have said she had an arsenal. Jennifer says, she just repeated stuff she’d heard, and Marge says, don’t be seeding this around. Danielle arrives, and in her interview, she says she’s happy to be here. She actually lost sleep over leaving the luau. It’s her vindication day. Dolores tells everyone that Teresa has covid and won’t be attending, but while she was meditating on her wedding, she pictured Dolores and Jennifer being in the wedding party. We see a clip of Teresa asking them to be bridesmaids. Marge drops that Dina is out, and Melissa says, Dolores wasn’t even invited to the engagement party. Again my mind boggles, wondering who is really the most awful in reality TV when there are so many candidates.

In Dolores’s interview, a producer asks if she thinks she wasn’t invited to the engagement party because Dina was, but Dolores says she’s not talking about Dina – ever. (She later changed her mind, saying on Watch What Happens Live, that were no problems between her and Dina, and they just grew apart.) In Melissa’s interview, she says, Dina’s husband and Louie argued over business, and now Dina isn’t Teresa’s friend or bridesmaid. The meditation moment is convenient. They sit to eat, and Danielle is seated next to Marge. In her interview, Danielle says, she’s uncomfortable right now, but they were seating themselves, and she’s not glued to the chair. She tells Marge, it’s awkward, and Marge says, Danielle stormed out of the luau. In Danielle’s interview, she says, Marge is lucky she needs energy before she rips heads off. Geez. Maybe she was ostracized in school for some other reason. Dolores says she thinks they’ve all been under stress, and they haven’t been away in a long time as a group. She went to Ireland with Paulie for Valentine’s Day, and came back a different person. She’d like for them all to go. In Dolores’s interview, she says, since she’s going to be a bridesmaid, she wants to plan a trip for Teresa, and put the other stuff behind them. They should do something different to bring different energy into the group. She tells them, it’s also the bachelorette party capital, and I’m pretty sure that’s Las Vegas and she’s making that up. Cup reader Angie arrives, and in Jen’s interview, she says she’s been to psychics, but they’re not often looking into a cup of Nescafe. Angie says, Dolores’s reading is short and sweet; a ring is coming soon. In Melissa’s interview, she says she thinks marrying Paulie would make Dolores happy, but Frank would be sad. Paulie isn’t going to suggest going on playdates. Angie tells Rachel that she’ll have a big victory in the next three months or three years. Something significant is going to happen. Rachel says she wants to adopt her stepson, and Angie says, she’ll win at the end. In Marge’s interview, she says, that’s the way she feels about her kids. They needed her because their mom didn’t live here. She needed a family to love, and someone to love her. Angie tells Marge that she’s sees something about a close friend Marge grew up with. She’s seeing the letter L, and seeing a knife in Marge’s back. In her interview, Marge says, how convenient, when Jennifer has been talking non-stop about Laura. Angie says, they went from friendship to fighting, and in Jen’s interview, she says she’s gullible, but not that gullible.

Angie says, the friendship is going to be rekindled, but Marge says, never. In Jackie’s interview, she says she knows she’s cynical, but come on. Jennifer is next, and asks Angie if there’s anything about her life with her husband. He’s been putting a lot of pressure on her, and she’s struggling. Angie says, he loves her a lot, and she sees Jennifer is all about family. She sees people offering Jennifer endorsements, and we flash back to Jennifer at Jen’s house, saying she was more in demand than Marge, and Marge asking what endorsements she had. Jennifer then tells Marge that she turned them down because her family is her endorsement. In Marge’s interview, she says she’s never seen such a set-up in her life. In Melissa’s interview, she says she’s embarrassed for Jennifer. Angie says, when Jennifer’s youngest is older, the endorsements will start coming her way, and in her interview, Marge says, no one’s endorsing Jennifer. Maybe Charmin, since she has 16 bathrooms and is full of sh*t. Jackie says, that felt obvious, but Jennifer insists she barely knows Angie. In Jennifer’s interview, she says, it’s ridiculous. They’re just mad that somebody is saying she’ll have good vibes in the future. Angie says, not everyone believes, and that’s fine, which annoys me. She says, in Danielle’s cup, she sees a conflict between Danielle and her brother. She sees him in a wedding, but doesn’t see her. This hurt Danielle, and they both cry about it, but there will come a day his anger goes away. It gets better, and they make a connection. Danielle says she didn’t like everybody questioning her about this, like she must have done something, but Rachel says, that wasn’t it at all. Jackie says, they just felt there was something missing in the story, and Jen says, she didn’t understand it. Danielle says she doesn’t get it herself, and it should be done. Period. In Melissa’s interview, she says, it’s enough. Leave her alone. Danielle says she doesn’t like to walk away from situations, but she felt blindsided, especially after Rachel made it sound like she was sabotaging Marge. Rachel says, that’s not what she was doing, but Danielle says, Rachel threw her under the bus. In her interview, Marge says she was upset at Danielle repeating negative things, when she’d never been anything but good to her. Rachel says she doesn’t care, and Danielle says she does, nearly launching herself over the table. Everyone is like, whoa, and Rachel says, just because she repeated it, doesn’t mean she was using it against Danielle. In Rachel’s interview, she says, she didn’t take anything out of context, and she wanted Marge to know what was being said. Danielle says she learned she can’t talk to Rachel that way, and in her interview, she says, guilty, insecure bitches aren’t capable of apologizing. If you want to be on your high horse, go ahead. I hope you fall off. Dolores says, I love you all but… get out.  

Next time, Danielle calls Rachel a rat; look out Ireland; Danielle asks Jennifer what Laura told her that she won’t repeat; and Jennifer says it’s about someone they all know.

🍕 Break It Down…

A blow-by-blow of Pizzagate, part two, although there’s still not much detail about what the business was.

🍸 The Plot Thickens…

Peter had to get in here somewhere. I don’t blame him for being pissed though. Raquel used him as a beard.

🐎 A Little Bit Country…

CMA winners.

https://people.com/country/cmt-awards-2023-complete-winners-list/

And the fashion. Maybe some of these looked better in person?

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/2023-cmt-music-awards-red-carpet-arrivals-201768

🩰 In a Barbie World…

The latest Barbie trailer. I can’t wait. I love Barbie. Those tiny shoes…

https://www.avclub.com/watch-margot-robbie-ryan-gosling-in-the-barbie-trailer-1850209634

🎭 Holding Up Well…

National treasures, all of them.

📺 Please Don’t Be Televised…

See you tomorrow for (hopefully) soap and hunting for VanderEggs. Until then, stay safe, stay balancing productivity with some fun stuff, and stay not getting involved in business dealings with Louie.